Use of Technology for Nutrition Outreach

With the great advancements in technology, its not surprising that phones are for more than communicating with friends and family. "Telehealth" is a new term describing the use of phones and video chat for long distance health care. By using video chat, patients anywhere can contact a health professional for a consultation. Other patients may use smartphone applications to manage their health as a result of a doctor's prescription. These apps provide doctors or other providers information about the patient in real time, rather than waiting for an appointment to occur.

Using technology to help patients has benefits but brings about its own set of challenges. The use of counseling via telephone allows patients to have immediate access to care, even in areas where specialists might not be available. However, these interactions are usually brief and cannot substitute an in-person visit in some cases. The American Medical Association warns users of telehealth practices to make sure their physician or provider is licensed and qualified and that their privacy is protected.

In the field of dietetics and nutrition, the use of apps and telephone counseling may provide a feasible way for dietitians to counsel and gather information about clients. Patients referred to dietitians may be too busy to come in for an appointment so telephone and video communication may be a great option. Having access to a Registered Dietitian at one's fingertips may thwart a person from trying a fad diet they heard about from an unqualified friend or internet source before they have spoken with a professional. Applications may help monitor a client's diet and exercise habits more accurately than a written diet record. More research will need to be done to measure the effectiveness of telehealth and smart phone apps but over time they could be a popular method of outreach and counseling.

Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-heal-side-20151107-story.html

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/11/11/doctors-prescribe-new-apps-to-manage-medical-conditions.html

AG

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