TeleMOVE!
Charles Hillman, TCT demonstrating Telehealth technology at the Lynn CBOC
The MOVE! Weight Management Program is a successful, nation-wide, VA program designed to help overweight Veterans lose weight, keep it off, and improve their health. Research studies show losing as little as 5 – 10% of body weight lowers the risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The focus of the MOVE! Program is on health and wellness through healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior change. Veterans are encouraged to set realistic, lifestyle- change goals to promote gradual weight reduction and better health. A team of health care professionals are available to support Veterans in their health improvement journey.
The Bedford VAMC MOVE! Program offers group classes, individual sessions with a Registered Dietitian and/or a Behavioral Health Psychologist, and a home-based, self-monitoring TeleMOVE! option. Since October 2012, the group sessions held at the Bedford campus have been broadcast live to the Haverhill and Lynn community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). Veterans who live closer to the CBOCs may conveniently attend classes without the time commitment and expense of traveling to Bedford. The Telehealth equipment, with expansive television monitors, allows the small clinic groups to easily participate in the larger group discussions and receive weight management support. The feedback from participating Veterans has been very positive and they appreciate easier access to the classes.
The TeleMOVE self-monitoring option allows Veterans to receive weight management support in their own home. Participants are provided weight management educational materials, a device for daily check-in, and a scale for daily weights. Nursing care managers are available for support and additional education.
Telehealth technology has allowed the MOVE! Weight Management Program to reach more Veterans and expand patient–centered care. For more information, contact Joanne Maddock MPH, RD, LDN, CDE, HPDP/MOVE! Coordinator, at Joanne.maddock@va.gov or 781-687-2342.
Are you interested in what other services are available in Telehealth? Learn more about our Telehealth offerings.
