Improving metabolic health with simple data tools in psychiatric/developmental health settings

What is it about?

Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and related problems cause increased illness and early death for people with mental illness and intellectual/developmental disability. We implemented a risk-management system in Minnesota using straightforward data tools which can be easily utilized by direct care staff. Initial results are positive, showing reduction of metabolic risk across several measures. This is a system which could be adapted easily for use in a variety of clinical settings. We encourage other clinical groups to try this or a similar approach in the effort to help people have healthier and happier lives.

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Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Too often, care in psychiatric and developmental disability settings can be focused on controlling "behaviors," with less attention paid to physical and metabolic health. We designed this system to simplify data collection, analysis, and sharing, so that front-line direct care staff can understand and begin to address metabolic problems-- especially for those at high risk. It also encourages local solutions rather than top-down programs. In the early stages, the system shows promise of actually helping to reduce metabolic risk-- which in the long run has the potential to significantly improve lives.

Perspectives