MINNEAPOLIS, June 8, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedBrick Health, a leading provider of technology-enabled enterprise solutions that improve population health and well-being, today announced research findings that show its Person-First approach to engagement and health improvement produces meaningful outcomes among prediabetics. In a company study completed on over 10,000 prediabetics, more than 22% of those who engaged experienced clinically meaningful weight loss (5% or more of their body weight). They also experienced clinically significant reductions in their non-HDL cholesterol, another important cardiovascular risk factor. Lifestyle metrics improved at clinically significant levels as well: those who engaged were more likely to add 60 minutes or more of weekly physical activity, eat fresh fruit and vegetables each day, and report higher resiliency to stress.
Conventional condition-centric health risk reduction models, including those for prediabetics, often use rigid protocols, or require a specific regimen of scheduled sessions with a call-center coach. RedBrick's Person-First model begins with the individual's primary goals and preferred engagement style. Blending behavior design across digital health tools, connected devices and concierge-like support, the Person-First approach appeals to more people and keeps them engaged.
"Our research across broad populations suggests that at least 80% of those living with a chronic condition prefer to start with a lifestyle factor around which they have personal motivation," says Jeff Dobro, MD, RedBrick's chief medical officer. "When we start with the person and let him or her engage the way he or she wants, we get higher commitment and—as it turns out—meaningful improvement."
Growing evidence suggests that many costly chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, can be reversed or prevented. The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 86 million American adults have prediabetes—meaning their blood glucose is elevated—increasing their risk of diabetes or heart disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for preventing diabetes in the form of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). RedBrick is a CDC-approved provider of the DPP and delivers that protocol alongside its Person-First approach, for those who do better with a choice-based approach.
RedBrick's Person-First approach worked for Darlene, who, after being diagnosed with prediabetes, lost 52 pounds by combining RedBrick health coaching and RedBrick Journeys® digital health tools. "I like the Journeys," says Darlene. "I'm working on three right now. They give you different activities you can do, and there are recipes I've tried. I learned that if I do little steps at a time, each time I do a step I can move forward and it's going to benefit me." Darlene continues about her health coaching experience: "She never made me feel bad about myself. She kept me upbeat and uplifted. Any time I had a question or concern, she was there for me."
RedBrick's Person-First approach can be configured to wrap around existing chronic condition care management services offered by health plans or healthcare providers. RedBrick clients report broader and more frequent engagement in such programs, particularly among those with risk factors that place them at elevated risk for chronic conditions. Person-First digital health tools keep
them engaged and support daily habit formation.
"Though rigidly structured or phone-centered approaches work for some, others struggle with them," observes Eric Zimmerman, chief marketing officer of RedBrick Health, who co-created RedBrick's behavior design lab along with Dr. Dobro. "People with prediabetes, like others, represent a diverse audience. By putting the person first, we do a better job tapping into their intrinsic motivations and creating early success. And when it comes to health behavior change, success breeds success."
About RedBrick Health
RedBrick Health helps organizations improve population health and well-being. Because every consumer has unique needs, we combine our exclusive Behavior Change Framework™ with adaptive technology and live concierge services to drive greater engagement and more lasting results than industry norms. Over 100 leading employers, health plans and healthcare delivery organizations rely on RedBrick Health to measurably improve the health of their populations—while measurably improving their bottom line.
Visit RedBrick at RedBrickHealth.com, read more at the Health Innovation Blog, or follow the company on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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