Veterans test how wearable devices sync with Share My Health Data app

VA's Share My Health Data app enables Veterans to view data from health tracking devices in one place and share it with their VA care teams.

Cincinnati Whole Health used the Share My Health Data app to track Veterans' steps and activity for the 6 Service Challenge.

The 6 Service Challenge was open to Veterans from all branches of service. Veteran participants could be on a branch team as well as complete the individual challenge.

From March to May, Veterans tracked calories burned, steps taken and distance traveled while wearing Fitbits connected to VA's Share My Health Data app. In total, Veterans logged 36.5 million steps, 16,581 miles and 13.5 million calories burned.

Army Veteran James Woods came out of the 6 Service Challenge with a new goal: Log 15,000-16,000 steps daily, surpassing his achievements during the event. "I didn't get to do that as much as I wanted. I think I only did maybe four times where I got above 12,000 and that was because of a physical limitation that's been corrected," said Woods, a volunteer Whole Health facilitator and challenge participant.

Woods continues to monitor his steps, distance and calories burned using the Fitbit he received. This device was part of a test to see how wearable devices could sync patient-generated health data (PGHD) with VA's Share My Health Data app.

The Share My Health Data app enables Veterans to store and view PGHD from wearable trackers, health apps and other medical devices in one location and to share this information with their VA care teams.

For Woods, the ability to share his activity data with his VA care team was a crucial part of the challenge. He recognized the importance of sharing PGHD with his VA health care team, fostering a more productive dialogue between doctor and patient.

"I see it as a win-win. Doctors don't get a lot of time with patients and it takes a lot of time to get a Veteran's history. The app allows them to ask more pointed, open-ended questions to the Veteran," Woods shared.

Testing the Share My Health Data app

Woods was among 96 Veterans who participated in the 10 weeks-long event to provide observations for the Share My Health Data app. VA conducts field testing on digital tools under development, seeking feedback from Veterans to inform future improvements.

The field test also examined whether the Share My Health Data app empowered Veterans to take a more proactive role in their health care.

VA gained valuable insights into the usefulness of the PGHD from the app. "I like the great amount of information that can be shared with every provider involved in my health care. As well as assisting me in seeing my path forward," one Veteran said.

The Office of Connected Care is committed to conducting field tests to help VA refine its digital tools, improving the health care experience for Veterans and empowering them to better manage their care.

6 Service Challenge fosters Veteran wellness and support

"Veterans would find a buddy, share their action plans and brainstorm ways to increase their measures by supporting each other," said Cincinnati Whole Health section chief Dr. Shari Frensemeier.

Several Veterans noted positive impacts on their lives from participating. One Veteran reported being taken off four medications. Another noted increased focus on her physical well-being. Veterans also achieved additional health metrics, such as improved sleep, reduced blood pressure and weight loss.

The digitally enabled challenge brought many new Veterans into the Whole Health program to extend the benefits across their lifetime.

Learn more about the Share My Health Data app on the VA Mobile App Store page.

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