Implementation of a lifestyle medicine center in a large private hospital: a new approach to health promotion

Abstract

Controlling the current epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases requires new health care strategies. In this context, Lifestyle Medicine (LMS) emerges as a scientifically based approach focused on disease prevention and treatment through lifestyle modification. This paper describes the implementation and integration of LMS, with its innovative care line, in a large private general hospital in southern Brazil. The project's main objective is to implement evidence-based approaches that could promote the health and well-being of patients, offering individualized interdisciplinary assessment and monitoring, with clinicians, nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiatrists and physical educators. The methodology includes a complete clinical assessment (“360*”), personalized goal setting (SMART), group participation and ongoing monitoring, with an emphasis on managing people's stress on their journey through the pillars of LMS. Additional important objectives are to foster research and education, through the implementation of this approach in patients and through the inclusion of LMS in the curricula of undergraduate and medical residency courses. The service, scheduled to begin in November 2024, is expected to contribute to improving patients' quality of life, reducing risk factors for chronic diseases, increasing adherence to conventional treatments, and reducing readmissions. In addition, the project is expected to serve as a model for the implementation of similar services in other health institutions, bringing greater effectiveness to health care as well as increasing patient and health professional satisfaction. One of the highlights of the project was the holding of the 1st International Symposium on Lifestyle Medicine and Longevity, which demonstrates the team's commitment to disseminating SEM. In the long term, the service is expected to contribute to reducing health care costs and increasing the population's life expectancy.