Patient engagement is vital to keep patients satisfied and even improve retention rates. Patients of today not only want the best clinical encounter but want to feel engaged throughout their healthcare journey. Empowering patients also helps to enhance health outcome levels.
Benefits of patient engagement
When patients feel thoroughly engaged at the start of their care process the following advantages can be reaped.
- Helps build trust between the patient and the provider.
- Reduces overall costs.
- Engaging patients are a key to value-based care.
- With continued patient engagement patients take greater responsibility for their health.
- Providers can boost their revenue stream.
Healthcare organizations should aim to prioritize patient experience at every touch point to boost patient engagement levels. Streamlined patient scheduling, transparent and easy billing, and reduced in-office wait times are all great ways to improve patient satisfaction and engagement.
5 strategies to improve patient engagement in 2023
- Automated patient reminders – According to Health Management Technology patient no-shows can cost healthcare organizations $150 billion yearly. To combat the issue of no-shows hospitals can leverage technology solutions to send patients automatic reminders before their appointment. Practices can deploy an Appointment Reminder EMR Software that automatically sends reminders to patients via text messages or email.
- Offer timely follow-ups – Personalized provider follow-ups can greatly enhance patient engagement and patient outcome levels. Giving care instructions and checking up on patients after their doctor’s appointment helps to improve medication adherence and patients can take an involved role in their health.
- Telemedicine option should be given – Almost half of the patients prefer telehealth sessions over in-person visits as revealed by a Healthcare IT News survey. Remote care options like virtual visits are convenient and improve access to care. Providing telemedicine software as a care platform can improve patient engagement as patients can meet their provider from the comfort of their homes and this also helps to reduce appointment no-shows.
- Encourage patients to use the patient portal platform – Patient portal EHR software solutions are robust tools to keep patients engaged and empowered in their healthcare journey. Through a patient portal, patients can easily schedule appointments, pay online bills, view health information, view lab results, and update their health information. Hospitals need to deploy user-friendly patient portal solutions and encourage patients to use them for their complete benefit by highlighting the advantages. Patient portals also allow patients to stay connected with their providers on a HIPAA-compliant platform and even complete forms.
- Educate your patients enthusiastically – These days patients Google all their health symptoms. Healthcare organizations can be credible sources to offer health information that is accurate and can benefit them. Patients can be well-informed when hospitals provide them with digital educational libraries and relevant educational material that is readily available on the portal.
The importance of patient engagement in healthcare
Patient engagement is an integral part of healthcare. Engaged patients are in a better position to make informed decisions about their health options. Engaged patients are more satisfied and report positive experiences. Healthcare technology is playing a vital role to keep patients engaged and involved in their care journey.
