Duke U. New Medical Team - What it's missing

Duke University recently decided to tackle the issue of why more people are seeking treatment in hospital ER's even when they have access to primary care providers. They asked patients two questions: What isn't working for you? and What could we do better? Then they listened. The changes made to the Duke Family Practice Medical Offices, focusing on decreasing waiting time and increasing service, sound great. Patients can interact with the office online, know if they are going to have to wait and how long, but most importantly they created a new type of medical team.

Each team has a physician, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and physicians assistants. It's an interesting concept and one that cold provide tremendous benefits, especially for the patients at most risk in our health care system.

When I was watching the segment on the NBC Nightly News, I was struck by the forward thinking of the changes but also I couldn't help but wonder, what if the teams also had nutritionists and personal trainers? If these teams could help people actually implement lifestyle changes it could make them healthier, and as a result, require less medical care.

The clip showed a patient who was overweight. The doctor was listening to her carotid artery and another member of the team was reminding her to skip the salt on food. The woman likely has cardiovascular issues. The team approach will probably help her but imagine the difference if there were a nutritionist that could show her proper portion sizes, what kinds of foods to purchase at the grocery store and how to cook delicious and healthy recipes. Now imagine that there were a personal trainer that could show this woman simple ways to to start building exercise into her life. Helping her learn how to strength train and start a cardio regimen. The results would be far beyond what a reminder to pass on the salt could ever bring about.

There are stories all the time about people whose doctors tell them they need to eat better and exercise. Somewhere between the doctor's office and the patients home that advice falls short. Many people simply don't know how to change their habits to lead a healthier life. It's not their fault, but they don't know where to gain that knowledge. If the medical community took steps to build a bridge between what patients are doing and what they should be doing, there could be an incredible change in the health of our nation. There is a role here for the fitness industry and it's up to the passionate people in this community to make it a reality.

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- Breanne McGahey