Table 2 Key components of PATHWEIGH and PATHWEIGH implementation strategies
PATHWEIGH is a weight management care path built into Epic. It includes: • Weight-prioritized visit type: Defines the scope of the visit for the patient and provider. • Time-efficient documentation and data capture: Patient questionnaire completed prior to the visit captures history around weight gain and barriers to weight loss that can guide the patient-clinician conversation and treatment plan. • Clinical decision support: SmartSet in Epic suggests weight loss approach(es) based on patient BMI and preferences according to the Obesity Society guidelines [32]. • Tracking: Displays progress with weight loss and weight loss maintenance during patient visits to guide the patient-clinician conversation and evolving treatment plan over time. • Diagnosis and billing: Tool in Epic automatically adds the diagnosis of overweight (for BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) or obesity (for BMI> 30 kg/m2) and links the most common weight-related co-morbidities (according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to ensure adequate provider reimbursement. | |
PATHWEIGH implementation strategies include: • Practice facilitation: Practice facilitators drive implementation efforts by working with practice-selected Practice Champions, engaging leadership in goal setting and monitoring along system and practice goals, and utilizing quality improvement techniques for supporting adoption, implementation, and management of PATHWEIGH. • Clinician education: Online e-learning module on evidence-based weight management treatment which includes 2 credits of continuing medical education. • Consultation support: built-in to Epic consultation support for clinicians by request; built-in to Epic availability of UpToDate, a subscription-based clinical reference. |