Abstract

The overall purpose of the report is to form positive long-term changes in both behavior and lifestyle for my
clients by incorporating online synchronous approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) and video consultation,
online asynchronous approaches such as MyFitnessPal, Foodzilla, wearable devices, and exercise prescription
software, and face-to-face services such as virtual reality (VR) meditation. Although these approaches have some
potential challenges and risks to different extent, all of them contribute to creating and inspiring healthier
lifestyles through wellness and health and increasing the index of well-being to my clients.
Introduction
In Australian society, 78.6% of Australians had at least 1 chronic health condition from 2020 to 2021. 46.6% of
Australians of all ages had 1 or more long-term condition, and 18.6% had 2 or more long-term conditions. The
most common chronic condition was mental and behavioral conditions accounted for 20.1%, following by back
problems accounted for 15.7%, arthritis accounted for 12.5%, and asthma accounted for 10.7%.(1)
Therefore, pursuing health and wellness has become a paramount concern to Australians. The Global Wellness
Institute defines wellness as the positive pursuit of lifestyles, choices, and activities that causes a condition of
holistic health. This definition has two significant aspects. Firstly, wellness is not a static or passive state, but an
‘positive pursuit’ related to our actions, choices, and intentions that we strive to achieve optimal states of
wellbeing and health. Secondly, wellness is associated with holistic health which means it goes beyond physical
health to integrate many different dimensions that ought to function in harmony.(2)
As a wellness coach, the primary objective is to empower clients to inspire and cultivate healthier habits through a
holistic approach that encompasses nutrition coaching, counselling, meditation, and exercise prescription. To
achieve this, modern technologies in these four approaches will be introduced in the discussion. Any potential
challenges of these modern technologies will be analyzed and elaborated in the conclusion. At last, how these
challenges may be overcome will be explained in the recommendation.

Discussion
Nutrition coaching
Mobile app such as MyFitnessPal is adaptable for clients in nutrition coaching. MyFitnessPal has one of the
biggest food databases with over 300 million items and comes with a barcode scanner for more accurate
tracking. Clients will have the ability to view downloadable reports that provide a history of all snacks and
meals, including calories and macronutrients. It is easier to use MyFitnessPal to discuss any changes with the
client and provide specific advice on calorie intake, food choices, and meal times.(3)
Similarly, Foodzilla is a cutting-edge platform designed for nutritionists to help them create meal plans and
perform nutritional analysis for their clients based on personalized data. Foodzilla's innovative software
integrates messaging and live chat to improve communication between nutritionists and their clients, as well
as providing customization and branding capabilities.(4)
With Foodzilla, clients can build complex food recipes with comprehensive labeling capacities, preparation
instructions and detailed ingredients for convenience. These can be readily shared with clients via mobile
apps. Reports allow clients to obtain valuable information about the nutritional content of recorded meals,
such as fiber, macronutrients, cholesterol, minerals, vitamins, and calories.(4)
Moreover, a wearable device is defined as any computing device equipped with the necessary sensors to
measure, process, or analyze one or more health indicators of the wearer. Wearable devices range from
wristbands and smartwatches to chest straps and other fabric-based sensors. Nutritional coaching is defined
as an ongoing nutritional feedback loop between the user and the intelligent system. Feedback is most
effective for users when it is based on environment and context.(5)

Counselling
AI is the simulation of human intelligence processed by machines.(6) Online AI therapy apps allow clients to
interact with software prompts verbally or via text. These apps guide users through a conversation with
scripted questions and answers and use complicated algorithms to analyze responses.(7)
This technology also leverages natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to fine-tune replies.
Over time, the app will come very close to an in-person meeting with a mental health professional. Based on
clients’ responses, the AI therapy chatbot suggests games, exercises, and tools to help them feel better.(7)
Certain apps interact with clients' smartwatches to monitor their sleep cycles, heart rate, and other
biometric data. Smartwatches might prompt clients to take medication or exercise, or even review their
social media posts for signs of anxiety or depression. If the clients’ app recognizes a distress signal, it will
notify them via their smartphone and provides assistance. If they encounter a crisis, the software can
connect them with a person for immediate support.(7)
So far, results suggest that AI can successfully deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to patients who
need more support than face-to-face therapy.(7) CBT is a form of psychological treatment which has been
confirmed to be effective for a range of problems involving severe mental illness, eating disorders, marital
problems, alcohol and drug use problems, anxiety disorders, and depression.(8)
Additionally, a telehealth video consultation is an online consultation between a patient and their clinician. Video
consultations can improve safety by eliminating travel for clients with limited mobility or health conditions. It
enhances their convenience and reduces time and cost of traveling to and from the clinic. It also reduces patient
flow within healthcare services, thereby limiting the infection exposure for both clinicians and clients. Additionally,
it expands the capacity to connect with a wider range of specialists or healthcare providers, regardless of location
or distance. (9)

Meditation
VR is a computer-generated simulation of 3D environment enabling clients to explore and interact with a
seemingly real way by using special electronic equipment, since it is perceived through the clients’ sense.(10)
Recently, the combination of VR and meditation training has been spread. The model typically includes
specific professional guidance as well as immediate assessment, background music, and variable virtual
immersion environments. At the same time, research has also verified the feasibility of incorporating VR into
meditation training. One of the studies found that participants in a VR-based meditation practice reported
improved feelings of peace, relaxation, and calmness, as well as improvements in their overall mood and
state mindfulness. The use of gentle voice guidance, soft music, and beautiful scenes in VR can help clients
focus on practicing which suggests that VR-based meditation practices can help individuals remain present-
moment awareness and block out distractions, and may be more effective than traditional meditation
methods.(11)
Digital media has been used in psychotherapy for patients with mental disorders since the early 2000s. For
example, it has been used to relieve anxiety, specific phobias, and fear of flying. Most importantly, echoing
traditional meditation training, immersive VR provides an aesthetically pleasing environment that allows
clients to be virtually present in an individualized environment and manipulate as needed. Therefore, there
is no need to use a laboratory or other environments that are intensive in resources.(11)
Additionally, audio guidance replaces the role of the trainer in traditional meditation training, which ensures
the consistency in training quality. Hence, the interplay between training and environment enhances the
efficacy of meditation and participants' sense of engagement.(11)

Currently, a systematic review examined the effectiveness of VR-based meditation on physical and
psychological health. The review focused primarily on health aspects, specifically the improvements of
physiological outcomes and certain mental health areas such as anxiety and emotion. Ultimately, the study
found that meditation practices could help VR-based psychological interventions reduce anxiety symptoms
more obviously. (11)

Exercise prescription
TrackActive is an exercise prescription software which can set up, create and send exercise plans to clients, while
permitting clinicians to simultaneously obtain information and data from clients to track progress.(12)
Once a login account is created, clinicians can manually enter clients’ personal details, which then generates a file
for each client, allowing for the creation of an exercise program, either by using an existing template and selecting
from a range of built-in exercises, or by creating a new workout plan with the option to upload or link
supplementary photos and videos.(12)
Names, dosage, and descriptions of the program and each exercise can be modified. Then, program can be printed
in PDF format or sent via email. Alternatively, if the client chooses to use the app or website to review their
procedure, a link will be sent to the client's email address. Using this method permits clients to watch videos,
which will further aid them in understanding how to perform each exercise correctly.(12)
Once patients completed the exercise program, they were asked to record details about their training, involving
whether they finished all exercises, the duration of the training, and ratings of specific symptoms such as stiffness
or pain. Progress will be additionally monitored through a selection of 7 client-reported outcome measures. These
results are sent to the client via a link, and upon completion, the results are immediately uploaded to the client’s
online file. Progress is depicted in the form of tables, pie charts, and line charts so that it can be easily tracked
over time. Files of inactive clients can be archived if desired. Once set up, appointments can be booked through
the software. (12)
The importance of exercise prescription is closely related to exercise being an effective evidence-based
intervention for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, some cancers, tendinopathy, back pain, and
osteoarthritis. (13)

Conclusion
Although the above approaches have many substantial benefits to wellness, they still have some potential
challenges and risks that cannot be ignored.
Wearable devices have contributed greatly to the continuous monitoring of clients’ health indicators. However,
this contribution is only useful if health professionals over-monitor and regularly recalibrate the equipment.
Wearable devices that provide nutrition coaching feedback based on uncalibrated and erroneous data are sure to
mislead users. In some cases, such as patients with chronic illnesses, the consequences can be harmful, if not fatal
to the clients.(5)
Another challenge for wearable devices in nutrition coaching is the compatibility with the clinical ecosystem which
refers to the distinction in standards for measuring, processing, and storing data from wearable devices. This
discrepancy often exists between a client's clinical private database and the wearable device. Compatibility issues
arise when consumer-grade wearable devices intended for nutrition coaching are not designed with essential
elements of clinical compliance in mind.(5)
The challenge for AI is that patients may rely on AI chatbots to make simple daily decisions rather than developing
the tools they need to live autonomous lives. (7)
While AI technology is impressive, how well it serves depends on how well programmers create scripted replies.
Chatbots cannot truly understand or highlight human emotions, and users may find this so offensive that they
refuse mental health interventions altogether. (7)
Most recently, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) banned its AI chatbot after it was discovered that
it provided potentially harmful dieting advice to at-risk teens. This incident emphasizes the potential for AI to
provide false and harmful advice to vulnerable groups. AI tools can only process information and draw
conclusions. Their algorithms don't allow for logical leaps or intuitive decision-making like a trained therapist
would.(7)
For the video consultation, lack of physical contact means routine need to adapt to management strategies and
assessment. Internet connection issues may also disrupt communications. Communicating with certain patient
subgroups such as clients with hearing or visual impairments, and children may be difficult. Success depends on
the ability of clients and clinicians to operate the technology effectively. Consultation quality may be influenced by
each user's physical setup such as background noise or lighting.(9)
Furthermore, while VR has the power to support meditation practices, it can also present its own unique
challenges. For instance, simulator sickness is a common side effect of VR, which can produce symptoms similar to
motion sickness.(14) Researchers also speculate that headset discomfort may be a barrier to meditation in VR.(15)
However, less is known about how specific details of headset design, such as immersion, weight, and comfort,
influence the potential advantages of VR-supported meditation.(14)
For the exercise prescription software, although progress being readily viewed and tracked can enhance
motivation to finish the program, the software falls short in permitting clinicians to track a minimal selection of
outcome measures and only one symptom.(12)
Last but not least, in telehealth, privacy and security problems are inevitable. Technology factors contain poor
quality of video or audio output, lack of digital literacy such as limited understanding and knowledge of
technology used, problems of Wi-Fi, cellular data , or digital devices, limited technology and Internet access, and
data security issues such as video access being hacked. Lacking of technology and digital literacy limit the quality
of assessment and diagnosis.(16)

Recommendation
To overcome the most significant barrier to the wearable revolution which is the compatibility, selecting the API
that is best suitable to the devices is recommended. Similarly, cross-platform compatibility not only increases
revenue but also reduces fragmentation.(17)
The most value of AI chatbots is quickly answering routine questions. If the questions become more intricate, an
option to escalate the interaction to a human advisor is recommended. Research institution should target in
developing AI chatbot more empathetic by using natural language processing system and make it friendlier
instead of intrusive. A new developed AI chatbot should adapt the responses to emotions and the conversation
flow. It should implicitly capture client mood throughout the conversations and explicitly ask how the client feels
at the end of conversation.(18)
Furthermore, before beginning the VR meditation, it is suggested to take ginger and dramamine which could
prevent motion sickness, it is also suggested to read the specification carefully on how to adjust headsets properly.
Ensure the headset is securely and comfortably mounted to avoid falling off and the screen is aligned with client’s
eyes. Choosing a fit headset for clients would also bring them more enjoyable senses of experiences.(19)
In addition, increasing permission to track a higher amount of selection of outcome measures and more
symptoms by clinicians and implementing face to face consultation in an appropriate time instead of video
consultation are also recommended.
When sharing information online, it is recommended that appropriate measures be taken to protect client
information. When entering personal and health information, only use secure websites with the lock icon in the
address bar. All virtual visits require a password and verification of client information when the client stay in the
‘waiting room’. For clients, we recommend to use the primary phone number of their regular provider to confirm
its identity instead of making telehealth appointments or share personal information with unknown providers, and
use the primary phone number of their regular provider to confirm their identity. Clients should protect their
device with updated antivirus software, avoid accessing telehealth on devices shared with people outside their
family or home, and avoid using public Wi-Fi to access telehealth services.(20)
When using telehealth technology, enable all available privacy and encryption modes. Tips for optimal camera
position for clients and providers is recommended. Better lighting is also recommended to improve the client's
environment for better visualization. Lastly, healthcare providers should integrate telehealth into the Notice of
Privacy Practices and incorporate telehealth services into their privacy and security policies, workflows, and
procedures.(20)
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