In our post-COVID 19 world engaging in a telemedicine appointment has become a lot more common. However, we recognize that not everyone is either comfortable with the virtual format and we get it! That’s why we’re breaking down what to expect in a telemedicine appointment and ways to make you feel more supported in your virtual space.
What to expect from a telemedicine appointment
The initial nutrition session
If it is your first session with your dietitian, you will be greeted by a new face. We work to make you feel as comfortable as possible in the virtual setting!
Your dietitian will walk you through what the next hour will look like. You will be asked a series of questions so your dietitian can get to know you better and understand what you have been dealing with when it comes to your individual relationship with food. This is also to help you get to know your dietitian better as well. Remember - nutrition sessions, and really any type of therapeutic relationship, are a two way street!
Side note - If you are a parent or caregiver we break down treatment a bit more here.
At the end of the session your dietitian will leave space for you to ask any questions or concerns that you may have. Then a final wrap up will look like reviewing next steps such as: your current nutrition goals, frequency of appointments, practice policies and review of the client portal. They will then send you on your way with some preliminary recommendations until you see each other again. These recommendations will likely include some of the companion services that NourishRX offers.
follow up nutrition sessions
For the follow up session you are still going to be greeted by your dietitian through the virtual portal but these look a lot more conversational than that initial chat.
You will likely talk about how your day or week has been going and then get into the good stuff - working on your individual relationship with food!
We know that a telemedicine appointment can definitely feel different than what it was like working in person. But, on the bright side, there are ways that our clients have shared with us that makes it feel like a comfortable (and sometimes more enjoyable) experience. Let’s dive in below:
Three Ways to Make Your Telemedicine Appointment More Comfortable:
Set yourself up in a private space
Make sure that you are in a space that feels comfortable for you and where you are able to have some privacy. Trying to speak about more personal topics may be challenging if you are in a more public place. Try to mimic what an in person visit would be like as much as possible.
make the virtual space yours
Think - what makes me feel more relaxed and comfortable? Is it lighting that creates an ambiance (helloooo string lights), a clean space, a candle, a nice comfy blanket or pillow, your favorite set of pajamas or sweats? Find what allows you to be in your body, your space and feel more open to chatting about what may come up in nutrition sessions. Again, try to make the virtual space mimic the in person space as best as possible.
Minimize distractions
This is a big one. Some distractions can include: your phone buzzing, other tabs open on your computer or your own picture on the screen. We recommend putting your phone aside and on silent, closing out of all tabs and setting yourself to “away” if you’re working.
If the thought of staring at yourself throughout the telemedicine appointment makes you feel uncomfortable or like you may be distracted - cover it up! Clients have used sticky notes or minimizing the screen (depending on the virtual platform) to ensure that they are able to have they are able to be as focused as possible.
While telemedicine appointments are definitely different from in person we recognize that there can be many benefits. Increased access to care, less concern around parking or parking payments, and the ability to be in the comfort of your own home to name a few.
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while we navigate the nutrition space. Drop us a line to see if our telemedicine appointments or companion services are right for you.
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