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The EIM Solution
The EIM solution is the practical application of integrating physical activity into health care provider services and linking patients to evidence-based community programs.
The EIM Solution describes an approach to activating Exercise is Medicine® through partnerships between local health care systems/medical practices and community fitness resources, building a “bridge of trust” for coordinated care.
Patients are more likely to be referred for exercise guidance and to engage in recommended levels of physical activity when health care systems and community fitness enterprises work together, developing smooth referral and communication pathways. The goal is to implement physical activity interventions that will slow, stop and reverse the progression of chronic diseases.
An EIM solution requires the commitment of collaborating health care and community leaders and champions and is achieved by:
- Assessing physical activity levels of each patient at every clinic visit. The most effective way to accomplish this is to embed a “Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS)” into electronic health records (EHRs).
- Providing patients with brief advice about physical activity and/or an exercise “prescription” tailored for their specific medical conditions.
- Referring patients to appropriate physical activity resources, such as an evidence-based physical activity program led by qualified professionals. (Some patients may benefit from physical therapy or cardiac rehabilitation programs before being referred to a generalized exercise program.)
Domains essential to bringing the EIM Solution to life:
Health Care Systems and Providers
With the assistance of tools embedded in the EHR, providers can more easily integrate physical activity assessment and promotion into routine clinical care.
Physical Activity Resources
Community partners can serve as an extension of the health care team through qualified exercise professionals and evidence-based programs.
Digital Health Technology
Health care systems have a wide spectrum of technologies that can be used to accelerate the successful integration of healthy lifestyle interventions. These technologies allow for integration of the physical activity vital sign and referral pathways, identification of patients who would benefit from lifestyle interventions, and tracking patient data.
Support for the Exercise is Medicine® Initiative is provided by:
