The EHA Model: Turning data into patient engagement

About the Author

Mitchell Vautin is a clinical exercise physiologist and the founder of Exercise Healthcare Australia (EHA). EHA houses a team of more than 20 clinical exercise physiologists in three clinical exercise centers around Brisbane. The team leverages data and technology to support safe exercise among health-compromised populations, including older adults and those experiencing pain.

Data-Driven Growth in Healthcare

Running a successful healthcare practice comes with familiar challenges. Finding new patients matters – but keeping them engaged is what builds a sustainable business.

Finding new patients matters – but keeping them engaged is what builds a sustainable business.

Modern technology has transformed how we engage with patients, moving beyond traditional outreach and generic email campaigns to more meaningful, reflective communication strategies.

A sneak peek at Mitchell’s email to the EHA members. See the full message later in the article.

Integrating objective assessment technology into our model has not just improved clinical outcomes – it has made daily operations more effective. With tools such as ForceDecks and DynaMo, we assess more accurately, prescribe with greater confidence and track progress in ways that both clinicians and patients can understand.

Beyond Treatment: Building Long-Term Solutions

The impact of data does not stop at the point of discharge. With a clear framework, we transition patients from treatment into wellness, helping them maintain and improve their health using the same objective systems that supported their recovery.

It has shifted how we communicate outcomes, build trust and deliver ongoing value. Patients stay engaged because they can see their own progress, and they know we are tracking what matters.

Patients stay engaged because they can see their own progress, and they know we are tracking what matters.

MoveHealth app helping patients stay engaged and track progress beyond the clinic.

Using Technology to Show the Bigger Picture

Each week, we send out an email to our patient base – around 2,000 patients who have visited the clinic in the past year. It usually includes educational tips, research or clinic updates. One week, I decided to do something different.

The day before our usual Thursday email, I requested a six-month usage report from VALD – just to get a snapshot of how often we had been using the systems and for what. When I saw the numbers, I realized it was worth sharing. I included the summary in that week’s email, along with a few internal clinic statistics. Instead of promoting a new service, offering or discount, we promoted transparency.

Instead of promoting a new service, offering or discount, we promoted transparency.

Mid-year reflection email sent by Mitchell to EHA patients, sharing system usage insights and clinic performance data.

A Different Kind of Connection

The goal was simple: to remind patients what we do and why it matters. Whether they had seen us last week or not for months, I wanted them to know that we are not just treating injuries – we are measuring progress, tracking trends and continually refining care.

The response was immediate – it sparked conversations, prompted rebookings and deepened engagement. Patients replied with interest. Some had not realized the extent of what we measured. Others said, “It’s great to see how you’re using the data.”

Show the Work

Most clinics use technology for internal decision-making. However, it can also be a tool to showcase standards, build credibility and reconnect with your community.

[Technology] can also be a tool to showcase standards, build credibility and reconnect with your community.

This was not just a newsletter – it was a reminder that our care model is built on something deeper than opinion. The systems we use are not just for us – they are also for our patients.

Combining VALD Hub and MoveHealth to connect patient progress with measurable outcomes.

Make It Part of the System

We will do it again, and not just as a one-off. Sharing objective outcomes will be a regular part of our communication. It supports patient retention, enhances transparency and reinforces the quality of what we do.

You do not need complex dashboards…[only] meaningful statistics, shared with intent…

You do not need complex dashboards to do this. A few meaningful statistics, shared with intent, go a long way.

If you would like to know more about integrating VALD’s human measurement technology into your organization to enhance patient engagement, please reach out here.