LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DPS Health, a leader in clinically proven online and mobile behavior change interventions for the moderate risk population, announced today the launch of its new Healthy Engagement Lifestyle Outreach (HELO) service. HELO extends DPS Health's Virtual Lifestyle Management (VLM) service to provide population-level outreach and general healthy lifestyle promotion while encouraging deeper engagement with VLM's self-management tools and coaching. Integral to the launch of HELO, DPS also announced a strategic partnership with TeleVox, a leader in patient engagement communication technology. The collaboration of both companies' solutions will enable health plans to engage moderate risk individuals to more successfully manage their condition.

According to a recent TeleVox Healthy World report, "The Obesity Epidemic," 61 percent of Americans said they want their healthcare provider to email, text or call them with tips on how to manage their weight, which in turn will have a positive impact on helping them manage their overall health.

"When I see the American Medical Association predicting that all states across the U.S. will have obesity rates above 44 percent by 2030, I find it disheartening because I realize the negative effects of obesity — including diabetes and heart conditions — will grow into an even bigger problem if current trends continue. Managing weight or any health condition is about successful behavior change, which we know is difficult for many. Taking even the first step in implementing a behavior change plan requires ongoing information and encouragement, delivered when and how patients want," said Scott Zimmerman, President of TeleVox. "The good news is, Americans are asking for exactly the kind of support we're providing with this new partnership."

Individuals in the moderate risk population – a group defining approximately 25-35 percent of the population and those with or at-risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension – need trusted sources to provide health content and opportunities to engage with peers and coaches, even as they commit to more intensive behavior change programs. HELO specifically targets the moderate risk population by offering videos, articles and interactive content through online and mobile platforms, print and automated telephone, as well as opportunities to interact directly with health coaches.

"DPS Health has proven successful in combining evidence-based interventions with technology, consumer insights and impactful messaging to engage moderate risk individuals and support sustained behavior change," noted Zimmerman. "We are proud to partner with this organization to deliver a new solution for population health management."

HELO, which has been in beta at two DPS Health customers since August 2013, has dramatically increased VLM program engagement and education of thousands of program participants. In one case, where TeleVox's automated telephone notifications including Interactive Voice Response (IVR) were utilized, twenty thousand members were actively engaged over the course of the three-month program. Despite previous outreach efforts to this population, the unique communication approach of the HELO service led to high-levels of member interaction and more than a 10 percent increase in active program participation.

"The key to deeply engaging a population rests in providing a multi-channel platform and presenting relevant content and messages that encourage one's engagement," said Adam Kaufman, DPS Health President and CEO and a noted expert, author and speaker on the topic of health promotion engagement. "Our new Healthy Lifestyle Engagement Service, delivered in partnership with TeleVox, extends DPS Health's relationship with the end-user and supports deep, long-term engagement. It's an integral part of our strategy to make broad and deep impact to improve moderate risk population health."

For more information about HELO and/or DPS Health, please visit www.dpshealth.com

About DPS Health    

Founded in 2004, DPS Health is the leader in moderate risk population health services.  The company works with health plans, healthcare providers and employers to identify, engage and impact individuals with, or at-risk for chronic disease reducing disease morbidity and healthcare costs. For more information on DPS Health, visit www.dpshealth.com.

About TeleVox         

TeleVox Software, a subsidiary of West Corporation, is a high tech Engagement Communications company, providing automated voice, email, text and web solutions that activate positive patient behaviors through the delivery of a human touch. Since 1992, TeleVox has been creating a comprehensive approach that breaks through and activates people to live healthier lives. TeleVox understands that touching the hearts and minds of patients by engaging with them between healthcare appointments will encourage and inspire them to follow and embrace treatment plans. TeleVox solutions are used by 18,000 healthcare organizations representing 140,000 providers throughout North America.  The company is headquartered in Mobile, Ala.  For more information on TeleVox, visit www.televox.com.

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SOURCE DPS Health