Mercy Receives Significant Funding for Weight Loss Initiatives

Significant Funding Awarded to Mercy for Weight Loss Program

Mercy is excited to announce that it has received a remarkable funding award of nearly $3 million from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This funding will be utilized to implement intensive lifestyle treatment programs aimed at promoting weight loss within primary care settings. Mercy is proud to be one of only six health systems to receive this prestigious funding.

Addressing a Growing Concern

According to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is a pressing issue plaguing many states, with over one in three adults (35%) diagnosed with obesity in previous years. The rising rates of obesity are closely linked to increased incidences of serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Understanding the significance of this issue, Mercy is committed to making a difference through its new program.

Introducing the Mercy Intensive Lifestyle Treatment

The newly launched Mercy Intensive Lifestyle Treatment for Weight Loss program will be accessible both virtually and in person at all of Mercy's primary care clinics. This initiative is designed to enhance patient support, with eligible participants able to schedule sessions with program team members, choosing either individual or group virtual visits. Engaging health coaches will provide patients with valuable resources and ongoing encouragement, enabling them to track their progress through daily updates on their blood pressure and weight via text.

A Comprehensive Approach to Weight Management

Mercy's innovative approach stems from a previous PCORI-funded comparative clinical effectiveness research study. This research highlighted the effectiveness of clinic-based group visit interventions for weight loss, paving the way for Mercy's new program to implement a targeted and community-based solution to obesity.

Leadership and Vision Behind the Initiative

The ambitious endeavor is spearheaded by co-principal investigators Ursula Wright, the chief clinical excellence officer at Mercy, and Dr. John Mohart, president of community operations. Their goal is to not only help patients achieve significant weight loss but also reduce healthcare costs associated with obesity-related conditions by minimizing hospitalizations.

Eligibility and Implementation Timeline

To qualify for the program, eligible participants must be adults aged 18-85, and they need to be patients of a Mercy primary care provider, possess Medicare ACO or Medicare insurance, and meet specific health criteria, including a body mass index of 30 or greater. Mercy anticipates that close to 35,000 of its patients could benefit from this impactful initiative.

"The intent of this program is to gradually implement it across all Mercy primary care clinics, gather essential feedback, and ultimately widen access to all primary care patients interested in managing their weight," stated Wright. Plans are in place to commence the technological setup for the program soon, with the initiation phase expected to begin in the future.

What Lies Ahead for Mercy

In earlier initiatives, Mercy was selected to join PCORI's Health Systems Implementation Initiative (HSII), which aims to bridge the gap between clinical research findings and practical application in care settings. This current funding is a significant step towards creating a sustainable and effective weight management program that leverages evidence from clinical research.

Supporting the Community Through Enhanced Care

Mercy remains committed to its mission as one of the largest health systems in the country. With a robust network of hospitals, urgent care locations, and outpatient facilities, Mercy prioritizes delivering quality healthcare to its communities while empowering patients with the knowledge needed for better health outcomes. By targeting the issue of obesity, Mercy aims to make a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of its patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Mercy Intensive Lifestyle Treatment program?

The program aims to promote weight loss through intensive lifestyle changes in patients, making it accessible in-person and virtually at Mercy clinics.

Who is eligible for the program?

Adults aged 18-85 who have a Mercy primary care provider and meet specific health guidelines may qualify for the program.

How will patients track their progress?

Patients will report their daily weight and blood pressure through a simple text messaging system, ensuring easy communication with health coaches.

What are the goals of the initiative?

The initiative aims to improve patients' health, reduce hospitalizations due to obesity-related complications, and ultimately lower healthcare costs.

What distinguishes this program from others?

This program is backed by recent clinical research and aims to integrate evidence-based strategies into patient care at Mercy clinics, ensuring effective weight management solutions.

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