NEWS & RESOURCES 
| Virtual Lifestyle Management (VLM) service, based on the NIH's Diabetes Prevention Program. Written for the Network “Who is active in diabetes prevention“ |
| Written by www.activeindiabetesprevention.com. Written by Neal Kaufman |
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I would like the members of the worldwide diabetes prevention network to know about the Virtual Lifestyle Management (VLM) service, based on the NIH's Diabetes Prevention Program. VLM is an online weight management program that provides a tool for healthcare providers to efficiently engage patients to improve their physical activity and nutrition habits to achieve lasting weight loss. It is currently being used in English-speaking patients at risk for or with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or other weight related co-morbidities. The VLM couples online education, guided selfdiscovery, barrier mitigation, goal setting, monitoring and tracking with internet-based coaching to enable healthcare providers to offer a proven, year-long, engaging intervention. In short, the VLM: Improves patient engagement with web-based learning, tracking and motivation Boosts weight management program recruitment and retention Enhances efficiency in physician/patient interactions Decreases costs through staff efficiency and reduced medical care expenses Allows for expanded service to a larger population I have included a link to a recently published evaluation of the VLM written by the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh demonstrating the program's effectiveness. (Using the Internet to Translate an Evidence- Based Lifestyle Intervention into Practice). http://www.dpshealth.com/content/Press.aspx. For more information see the summary below or go to www.dpshealth.com/vlm In good health, Neal |
