Diabetes ProTips

Telehealth: Effectively Connecting with Your Patients

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These unique times call for effective communication with your patients. Whether you are new to telehealth or have some experience, you can use the REMOTE acronym for guidance during and between appointments.

ReassureReassure your patients that you are there for them. Address any concerns or questions they may have during this time.

EmpathizeWe are all likely to feel more stress than normal. Use active listening and use phrases like “that must be hard” or “I could see how that would be difficult”.

Ongoing communicationUse apps, such as OneTouch Reveal®, to share blood glucose results remotely. Be sure to set reminders to follow up with your patients.

Treat the patient not the numberWe all love data but don’t forget in these stressful times that everyone reacts differently to their unique problems and challenges. Use your motivational interviewing skills to find out what is important to the individual with diabetes and be sure to keep that in mind when deciding how to move forward.

EncourageEncourage people with diabetes to maintain healthy behaviors, stay physically active, avoid stress eating, and plan ahead so medications are not missed. Applaud each small win. Focus on their successes as well as your own.

Monitor meaningfullyCheck blood glucose in a way that helps inform management decisions (i.e., do paired testing before and after a meal, or experiment at different times of the day). Be sure to discuss blood glucose results with your patients and what these results mean to them.