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A new study published in BMJ Open reveals that a supportive workplace culture is crucial for the successful integration of lifestyle medicine programs within health systems. Researchers found that fostering a collaborative and health-conscious environment significantly enhances the implementation of these programs.
The study, conducted by researchers who developed case studies of diverse health systems already implementing lifestyle medicine, involved over 40 participants, including administrators, physicians, and other team members. The findings highlighted the importance of synergistic practices, such as providing resources for collaborative groups (e.g., walking groups, professional development groups), promoting lifestyle medicine visually, and offering healthy plant-based meal options in cafeterias.
Participants consistently emphasized that a supportive workplace culture, characterized by social resources, a health-promoting physical environment, and colleagues who themselves practice healthy lifestyles, was essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of lifestyle medicine programs. This culture was further reinforced by clear communication of core values such as trust, gratitude, collaboration, and optimism.
“As more health systems integrate lifestyle medicine services, the experiences and best practices of those with successful lifestyle medicine implementation can provide models that inform other systems’ efforts,” said Dr. Joel Gittelsohn, Ph.D., MS, a senior investigator from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He highlighted the importance of the case study approach in providing a detailed understanding of the successes and challenges faced by different systems.
Lifestyle medicine, which utilizes therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, is gaining traction among health systems. Organizations like NYC Health + Hospitals and the U.S. military are increasingly adopting this approach to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, enhance patient and provider satisfaction, and advance health equity.
The study emphasized the role of strong leadership support and a unified organizational approach. “One thing that is clear from the findings in this paper is that strong leadership support and a unified organizational approach for the implementation of lifestyle medicine is a necessary and powerful facilitator,” Dr. Gittelsohn said. “Health systems that intentionally support lifestyle medicine advocates and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors throughout the organization are seen as ‘walking the walk,’ which helps achieve buy-in from clinicians and patients alike.”
Lifestyle medicine focuses on six key pillars: a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and avoidance of risky substances.
The growing interest in lifestyle medicine is reflected in the increasing membership of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s Health Systems Council, which now includes 116 health systems from 38 states.
More information: Neve Durrwachter et al, Role of workplace culture in successful lifestyle medicine implementation: a qualitative case series among health systems in the USA, BMJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087184
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided in the given source material. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult the original study and other relevant sources for further information and professional guidance. The information presented here should not be considered medical advice.
