Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2026

OPTIMAP one year on: outcomes and system impact of a digitally enabled obesity care model in south australia (142042)

Emily Meyer 1 2 3 , Katie Belobrajdic 4 , Melani Mallee 1 , Shalvin Prasad 5 , Marni Nenke 1 2 , Leonie Heilbronn 6 , David Jesudason 2 3 , Gary Wittert 1 3 , Madison Bills 7 , Shalem Leemaqz 7 , Lachlan Mason 8 , Oxton Keiran 9
  1. Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  2. Endocrine and Diabetes Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, SA, Australia
  3. Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  4. Dietetics Department, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  5. Upper GI, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  6. Obesity and Metabolism Stream, South Australian Health and Medical Research institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
  7. Adelaide Epi Centre, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  8. Evidence and Insights, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  9. Personify Care, Sydney, NSW, Aus

Background

OPTIMAP (Online Pathway from Triage to Individualised Metabolic Action Plan) is a digitally enabled model of care, designed to address longstanding barriers in accessing public obesity services in South Australia. Co-designed by clinicians from the CALHN Metabolic and Bariatric Clinic (CMBC) and digital health partners, OPTIMAP streamlines the patient journey from referral to treatment readiness, through online triage, structured education, personalised coaching, automated documentation workflows and real-time progress tracking. Following its implementation in May 2025, a 12-month evaluation was undertaken on patient engagement, service delivery and workflow efficiency.  Analysis of clinical outcomes, including weight and metabolic parameters, is currently underway.

Aim

To evaluate patient engagement, service system outcomes, clinical outcomes and workflow impacts during the first 12 months of OPTIMAP implementation.

Methods

A mixed‑methods evaluation was conducted using routinely collected digital engagement analytics, patient‑reported experience measures, operational service data and workflow metrics from May 2025 to June 2026. Clinical outcomes, including total body weight loss and metabolic parameters, are currently undergoing analysis.

Results

OPTIMAP demonstrated sustained patient engagement over 12-months. By June 2026, 562 patients had been onboarded to the platform. Completion of the 47-item onboarding assessment was high, with 404 of 439 patients completing the assessment (92%). Most participants reported that personalised health summaries were valuable (324/450; 72%), and almost all initiated self-management strategies before their first specialist appointment (443/450; 98%). Educational modules and assessment tools maintained strong engagement throughout the pathway, with completion rates ranging from 61–75% and 64–91%, respectively. Service-led outcomes improved clinic efficiency and enhanced capacity to support multidisciplinary obesity care.

Conclusion

OPTIMAP represents a scalable, digitally enabled model that addresses key barriers to accessing public obesity services. Sustained engagement by both patients and clinicians supports its feasibility and acceptability.  Analysis of clinical outcomes is underway and will further inform the model’s impact on patient health outcomes, equity and health system performance.