Digital Patient Engagement Tools That Do Work

Last time, we discussed the importance of digitalization of efficient patient engagement. Modern patients are all in for a sustained digitized experience at not only engagement but all the subsequent stages of HCP-patient interaction.?

So, today, I will tell you about the digital patient engagement tools that work for real. They’ve been tested “in the field,” and they have proven their worth. If you feel like you can add to this fruitful discussion, do not hesitate to contact me here on LinkedIn.?

The Notorious Eight of Patient Engagement

Before we begin, please keep in mind that the selection of these tools varies based on the type of services, technology adoption level, and the patient’s specific needs. Nonetheless, they all get the job done one way or another. Yet, the result depends on how you combine them.

Virtual Visits

Real-time telehealth via video calls has been a crucial tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing patient engagement and access to diverse specialists. Patients with chronic conditions, cancer, low mobility, and mental health needs benefit from such solutions. Remote patient monitoring tools are improving, increasing the quality of care for all patient groups.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring allows patients to manage their health conditions from home using various devices like glucose meters, heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and oximeters. Consistent communication and education about the tech can improve patient engagement and care access and reduce healthcare providers' costs.

On-Demand Support

Efficiently connecting patients to preferred services is vital for healthcare call centers. A well-functioning center can improve communication and satisfaction. Failing to train service reps can cause the loss of patients. Call centers can generate a three-to-one return on investment and foster patient loyalty. Prompt assistance during a patient's time of need can lead to positive outcomes and increase patient return.

Patient Portals and Education

A patient portal is a secure online platform that provides 24/7 access to electronic health records (EHRs), allowing patients to deal with a wide range of health data and communicate with healthcare providers for various purposes.

Appointment and Medication Reminders

Adherence to medication and care plans is critical for chronic conditions. Patient engagement tools, like reminders, help improve adherence and outcomes, especially for cardiovascular patients. Healthcare providers should use databases, promote education, and integrate in-person interventions with electronic reminders. However, automated reminders should complement in-person communication about medications.

Accessible Medical Records

Patients used to face long wait times to access their doctor's notes, but the 21st Century Cures Act now allows patients to read summary notes of their doctor's visits and access test results. Software used by large health organizations and small clinics enables easy patient access to medical records, offering invaluable insights into their health conditions.

Flexible Payments

Patients expect a seamless payment experience, so digital payment methods are becoming more prevalent. Healthcare providers can build trust and enhance patient satisfaction by offering flexible payment options and utilizing patient engagement tools. By improving the financial experience, they can increase the likelihood of timely payments and retain patients.

Patient-Centricity

Patient-centered care involves respecting and incorporating the patient's values, preferences, and goals into clinical decision-making. It considers all factors influencing a patient's health, leading to better outcomes and satisfaction. This approach involves shared decision-making, customized care, and information sharing. Healthcare teams may need to implement patient engagement tools to deliver excellent patient-centered care.

Patient engagement is probably the most stiff and yet, at the same time, the most creative domain in healthcare software development. There are so many things you can do to improve your patient’s experience, and there are not that many ways to do it right. Would you like to learn more about how duly-tuned patient engagement can improve your business? Fill out the contact form or write to me at [email protected], and I will surely tell you more.