Healthcare is undergoing rapid transformation, which is redefining how people engage with healthcare professionals. People today expect to be involved in all aspects of their healthcare, from the initial consultation to assessment and diagnosis.
Healthcare administrators are using advanced techniques and integrated technological solutions to streamline the patient experience. Technological solutions like AdvancedMD which is a cloud-based patient management software can help you with scheduling, charting, billing and patient relationship management.
The Key Elements of Patient Engagement
Before developing a patient engagement plan, practice managers must first understand the objectives, touch points, and advantages of patient engagement.
What exactly is patient engagement?
Until recently, patient engagement was focused on the interaction between doctors and patients in making care decisions and enhancing patient attempts to manage their own care. Today, healthcare executives are searching for methods to integrate patients more extensively and address the patient experience. This shift means a higher recognition of a user’s legitimate role, knowledge, and significant contribution to the development and care delivery. Regardless of the level of patient participation, the purpose of increasing engagement remains the same: to improve the quality of treatment.
Factors that influence engagement
Patient engagement is influenced by three types of factors: the patient, the healthcare institution, and the community (society). The extent of patient engagement may vary depending on a client’s role beliefs, and education level. Patient engagement may be shaped by an organization’s policies, procedures, and work environment, for good or worse. Finally, cultural norms, rules, and public policy can support or discourage patient involvement.
The perks of patient engagement
Engaged patients are more capable of advocating for themselves and actively participating in their care, which leads to:
- Improved patient experience.
- Better outcome.
- Reduced costs.
- Increased efficiency.
- Improved quality of care.
Patient engagement can result in favorable cultural shifts, promoting:
- Increased patient participation in the planning and delivery of services.
- More equitable power-sharing between patients and providers.
- Development of new skills.
- Negotiation for service changes.
Let’s get started with the 5 strategies to boost patient engagement:
- Simplify information. Healthcare workers are used to conversing in jargon with one another and may find it difficult to simplify information for patients. They should deliver important details at a seventh-grade level to ensure patient and caregiver understanding.
- Access to information. Physicians should provide detailed info in several formats, including textual, audio, and video. When a patient needs this information, they should have access to it.
- Encourage patients to set goals. Patients are eager to browse the internet for medical guidance, and physicians could capitalize on this thirst for knowledge by engaging patients in self-care and setting goals. If patients know why they are following a treatment plan, they are more inclined to stick with the treatment.
- Communicate treatment plans. Patients’ health beliefs may be influenced by their backgrounds rather than science. Most of the patient population may not have enough knowledge of their condition and the outcomes of noncompliance. Physicians should make the effort to ensure that patients have proper knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Make information easily accessible. Medical information should be easily available to all the healthcare providers involved in patient care so that they may easily view the patient’s medical history, as well as historical treatment plans. Patient portals should include complete information about treatment objectives, scheduled visits, medication history etc.
AdvancedMD billing and AdvancedMD patient engagement software ensures high-level data security and improves revenue cycle management by prioritising patient care, thereby boosting patient engagement.
The Function of Patient Engagement Technology
Healthcare practice managers have several alternatives to choose from when assessing digital tools and technology that enhance patient engagement.
Patient engagement through digital platforms and tools
- Platforms for patient marketing technology. Assists in educating and involving patients from the onset of their medication.
- Platforms for data management and integration. Assists in the handling, distribution, and protection of patient data.
- Platforms for patient services. Help in delivering services and assistance to patients.
- Third-party patient service plug-ins. Greatly help in the provision of additional patient services such as sample delivery and copay acceptance.
- Platforms for patient master and consent. Assists in maintaining data up to date, reliable, complying with rules, and security.
- Wearable and mobile devices. Help in connecting patients and their families with healthcare practitioners.
AdvancedMD billing and AdvancedMD patient engagement software is a digital solution that helps to streamline your medical billing process and thereby enhance patient engagement at your practice.
