Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Electronic Health Records

Enhancing Outpatient Care

The collaboration between the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) and eClinicalWorks aims to introduce lifestyle medicine tools into electronic health records (EHRs). This integration is particularly valuable in outpatient settings and community health facilities where eClinicalWorks' systems are prevalent. By employing comprehensive strategies for disease prevention and management, significant health improvements can be realized.

Streamlining Clinical Workflows

Girish Navani, the CEO and co-founder of eClinicalWorks, emphasizes the increasing emphasis on preventive care and holistic approaches in healthcare. "Healthcare organizations are increasingly focused on prevention, whole-person care, and improving long-term outcomes," he stated. With the involvement of ACLM, eClinicalWorks is embedding lifestyle medicine practices directly into existing clinical workflows. This initiative provides healthcare providers with effective tools to evaluate patient needs, log interventions, educate patients, and monitor health progress over time.

Real-World Impact

Will Koopal, a physician assistant at Albany Area Primary Health Care in Georgia and a member of ACLM, shared insights about the practical challenges of implementing lifestyle medicine programs. He highlighted that although eClinicalWorks connects patients with valuable programs like FreshRx, the need for manual coordination among healthcare teams still exists.

"Lifestyle medicine shouldn't have to operate as something separate from primary care," Koopal explained. He emphasized that integrating these resources within the EHR would simplify the process of tracking patient engagement and outcomes, particularly for vital health metrics such as A1c levels and blood pressure.

About the Partners

American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)

The ACLM serves as the leading professional organization in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of lifestyle medicine as a foundational component of healthcare. With a commitment to translating evidence-based lifestyle interventions into actionable education and certification, ACLM empowers healthcare professionals to address the underlying causes of chronic illnesses. Since its inception in 2004, the organization has trained over 100,000 health professionals and has provided millions of hours of accredited continuing education through various courses and conferences. By partnering with numerous institutions worldwide, ACLM supports the shift from disease management to health restoration.

eClinicalWorks

Founded in 1999, eClinicalWorks has transformed the healthcare landscape by digitizing medical records for outpatient practices. Currently, it stands as a leader in cloud-based solutions for EHR and practice management, catering to a diverse range of healthcare institutions, including ambulatory practices, specialists, and urgent care facilities. With over 190,000 providers relying on the eCW cloud, the company stands out for its adaptability in clinical documentation, efficient workflows, and commitment to enhancing patient safety and satisfaction. eClinicalWorks continues to innovate amidst the evolving healthcare challenges of the 21st century.