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Increasing physical activity levels offers many mental health as well as physical health benefits for patients with SMI. With cardiovascular disease as the single highest cause of mortality in patients with schizophrenia between ages 45-74, it is even more imperative to help patients stay active and fit. Recent evidence also suggests some types of physical activity can help improve often challenging to treat cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. But despite these benefits, engaging the SMI community in exercise has traditionally been difficult. The recent rise of fitness trackers and health apps offers one potential solution through presenting patients and clinicians with new tools and resources to increase physical activity. This presentation explores the latest evidence about SMI, physical activity, and digital technology with the goal of informing learners of the current evidence for what technology can and cannot yet do towards helping patients become more active. Topics covered also include when to suggest such as part of the treatment plan, what to expect in terms of patient engagement and response, how to safely monitor physical activity, and finally how to incorporate such into treatment plans.
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.
This presentation was recorded on May 9, 2019.
List three benefits of increasing physical activity in patients with SMI and three different mobile technologies that can help facilitate such.
Assess at least two benefits and two risks of using technology to increase physical activity in SMI.
Apply the four steps from the APA app evaluation model towards making a more informed decision about whether to use a certain exercise app, fitness tracker, or smartwatch with a patient who wants to become more physically active.
Psychiatrist, Physician (Non-psychiatrist), Physician Assistant, Nurse/Nurse Practitioner, Psychologist, Counselor, Peer Specialist/Peer Support
Introductory; Intermediate
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour
Program Start Date: July 30, 2025
Program End Date: July 30, 2028
Ongoing Interdisciplinary Discussion Board
After completing the course, engage with colleagues in the mental health field through the Webinar Roundtable Topics discussion board. This is an easy way to network and share ideas with other clinicians who participate in this webinar. Access through the discussion tab.
After evaluating the activity, participants will be provided with an opportunity evaluate the activity and, claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the event date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
John Torous, MD, MBI. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. Disclosure: Research Funding- Otsuka.
John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 5/2/22)
Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 5/4/22)
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
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For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact support@SMICaladviser.org for technical assistance