Journey to Improved Health: John’s Story
John Thurman, a spirited 73-year-old from Peoria, has battled through challenging health conditions. He has bravely navigated Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and Stage 3 kidney disease. Despite the odds, his story is one of hope and renewal.
A Turning Point
A little over a year ago, John faced a major health crisis. Seizures and a stroke landed him in the hospital. It was at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, where he discovered the OSF OnCall Advanced Care program. This digital health initiative offers versatile home-based care for complex conditions like diabetes and heart failure.
John’s Initial Hesitation
Initially, John was skeptical about joining the program. However, he now cherishes his decision. The technology is user-friendly, involving a simple touchscreen tablet. He aptly notes, “All you need to do is just turn it on and scroll.”
Comprehensive Support System
The OSF OnCall Advanced Care program brings together a team of healthcare professionals. This includes nurses, digital health navigators, dietitians, and more. Beth Wharton, who manages Virtual Care Operations at OSF OnCall, emphasizes their holistic approach. "We’re not just looking at numbers. We address all health aspects impacting our patients."
The Importance of Mental Well-being
Many diabetes patients face mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Programs like OSF OnCall provide crucial access to therapists. For more on managing stress read this article.
Lifestyle Changes and Accountability
John has made significant dietary changes. His new habits include drinking 64 ounces of water daily and exercising with his wife Star. He no longer indulges in sweets during social outings. Instead, he enjoys the company of friends while sipping water.
Setting and Achieving Goals
For John, small achievements turned into monumental victories. His primary goal was to reduce his hemoglobin A1C level. Thanks to the program, his A1C dropped from 8.3% to an impressive 6.9%, reflecting better blood sugar control.
On the Road to Better Health
With targeted goals, patients decide what’s most important. John, previously reliant on insulin, now uses Ozempic. He has shed an impressive 50 pounds, significantly enhancing his health journey.
Remote Monitoring: A Modern Approach
The OSF OnCall Advanced Care provides tablets for patients like John to track health metrics. These include blood glucose, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Immediate alerts prompt when levels fall out of a safe range. “It’s comforting knowing there’s always someone watching out,” John acknowledges.
Broader Reach with OSF OnCall Connect
The OSF OnCall Connect Remote Patient Monitoring for Chronic Conditions caters to those managing their diabetes independently. Since its launch in June 2022, participants have lowered their collective A1C by 1.5% on average. The program signifies a leap towards proactive health management in collaboration with the Medicaid Innovation Collaborative.
| Program Features | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Digital Support | Continuous health education and monitoring |
| Remote Patient Monitoring | Enhanced self-management and reporting |
A Sustainable Health Model
OSF OnCall is redefining healthcare for chronic diseases by fostering engagement and improving outcomes. John’s experience illustrates the transformative potential of these programs in building a sustainable care model.
In summary, through programs like OSF OnCall Advanced Care and Remote Patient Monitoring, individuals with diabetes are creating new paths toward health. John Thurman’s journey is a testament to the possibilities of innovative care management.
