Taking Advantage Of Digital Health Patient Engagement

The world's healthcare systems are currently facing global challenges, including inequality in the availability of quality medical care, differences in treatment outcomes, and growing demand for services from the older population.

The development of new technologies like mhealth, electronic health records (EHR), medical analytics and telemedicine contribute to the growth of the digital healthcare market.

According to the Statista agency, the volume of the global digital medicine market in 2019 reached $106 billion. By 2026 it is expected to grow to $639 billion.

The prerequisites for the digital transformation of healthcare are obvious:

• Scientific and technological progress
• Global information and mobility
• Patient-centered approach
• Data-centered approach.

The Role of Digital Patient Engagement

Now it becomes clear that the role of the patient in the healthcare system is a priority. Usually, a doctor is consulted after the fact, when something has already fallen ill. The services of the future should perform a preventive function. People need to be included in the process, become active users of medical services. This will give them the opportunity to maintain live contact with a doctor and a medical institution.

It is critical to monitor laboratory tests, analyze your condition based on them, and share responsibility for your own health with specialists.

Among the main modern aspects that change the understanding of the traditional health care system, it should be noted:

• Focus on prevention and well-being
• Compatible (interoperable) data and IT platforms
• Participation of consumers of medical services.

The attitude and behavior of the population is changing towards increasing involvement in taking care of their health. Having the opportunity to see and control their medical information, consumers will be able to independently perform actions that today require the participation of a doctor. Consumers can take care of themselves and their families with tools adapted to their health and lifestyle.

England has established national structures, such as NHS Digital and NHSX, to manage the transformation of the National Health Service (NHS). The Government of Ireland has approved the e-health strategy and has created the "EHealth Ireland".

There are five main missions in NHSX activity:

1. Reduce the burden on healthcare providers
2. Provide the population with tools for direct access to information and services to improve their own health literacy and care
3. Ensure safe access to information about the health of citizens wherever necessary
4. Assist in improving information security in all areas of the healthcare system
5. Improve the efficiency of healthcare and medical care through digital transformation.
   
   

5P Medicine as a Digital Health Tool

The trend to involve patients in taking care of their health has been around for a long time. The concept of "5P medicine" is beneficial to both the state and the patient.

A preventive approach accompanied by mutual understanding and close cooperation between the physician and the patient allows them to realize which features of the body are genetically inherited or have already been formed during life.

As a result of learning all the forecasts and prospects a patient must change his lifestyle in order to stay healthy as long as possible. In addition, the doctor develops a treatment plan for each patient individually, not on a general basis.

A doctor who preaches the principles of 5P medicine is ready to help the patient by sharing the latest information from the field of preventive medicine. This is done by explaining and teaching him real ways to preserve and increase health.

Telehealth is an excellent means of implementing preventive medicine. A patient who wants to take care of himself can use this service without really interrupting his own workflow. Initial consultation via telemedicine services decreases the load of specialists, contributes to the health of rural citizens and also helps to save much time and money.

Since the pandemic, more people have taken an active role in their health. And clinicians must use this fact to their maximum advantage.

Patient Engagement Strategies For Your Private Practice

Digital health patient engagement is a growing trend in healthcare. This is because it allows for more efficient and convenient communication and can also improve patient outcomes by providing access to resources and support.

There are several ways in which advancing technologies can engage patients in digital health innovations:

#1. Offer telemedicine services

Telemedicine allows patients to have virtual consultations with their caregivers eliminating the need for in-person visits. This can be especially convenient for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues.

#2. Use patient portals

Patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, create care plans, and communicate with their care team. Encouraging patients to use these portals can help them take an active role in their own care.

#3. Provide access to mobile health apps

There are many health apps available that can help patients track their health data, such as exercise and nutrition, and provide access to resources and support.

#4. Offer online support groups

Online support groups can provide a sense of community and support for patients facing similar health challenges. These groups can be accessed through social media platforms, blogs, or other online platforms. They can be a valuable resource for patients who may feel isolated due to their condition.

#5. Educate patients about the benefits of digital health

It is imperative to communicate with patients about the benefits of digital health and how it can support their care. Providing information and resources about telemedicine, patient portals, and other digital health tools can help patients feel more comfortable and confident using them.

Patients who use remote technologies better understand the relationship between their daily habits and their own health. In addition, with the introduction of remote monitoring, medical care becomes more accessible to residents of rural and hard-to-reach areas. In some cases, the patient can transfer his data to the doctor for consideration and avoid a face-to-face visit.

Patient Engagement Tools for Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring is digital health technology that allows the end-users to be under the supervision of a specialist anywhere, 24/7. Simple and convenient devices allow you to collect vital signs data in familiar and comfortable conditions for the user. This helps the doctor to identify possible violations in a timely manner, take the necessary actions for effective treatment and prevent the development of complications.

Here are some practical strategies to increase patient care motivation for using mobile monitoring technologies and encourage collaboration with health information:

• Explain to the patient why you offer to use mobile technologies, what benefits he will get from this for himself and for his health.
• Educate the patient on how to use applications and personal devices. Make sure that the patient understands everything and can follow the recommendations you have given.
• Give the patient an alternative channel of communication with you or the clinic in case he has difficulties using remote technologies. He may use a phone or a messenger familiar to him.
• Inform patients about important deviations from the norm of the monitored indicators, as well as about the positive results of therapy. This engages patients in the treatment process and motivates them to continue using the application. It takes a while for patients to understand what the measured parameters mean to them. Make adjustments to therapy based on monitored indicators.
• Schedule regular telemedicine consultations with the patient (at least once a month), where you will discuss the results of monitoring and ongoing therapy. Explain the health indicators to the patient, point out achievable or unattainable targets.
• Encourage the patient to be an active participant in the monitoring process. Give him the opportunity to initiate unscheduled telemedicine consultations if he has questions about monitoring.
• Schedule face-to-face consultations at the clinic to conduct additional examinations and examine the patient in person.

Simple recommendations like these can increase the level of patient self-management and lead to long-term retention.

Practice Management Software And Patient Engagement

Practice management software is designed to help healthcare practices manage patient appointments, billing, and other administrative tasks. Some practice management software systems also include features for digital health patient engagement. These features include the ability to send appointment reminders, SMS, educational materials, and other communication to patients via email or text message.

Using practice management software for digital health patient engagement can have several benefits. It can help practices improve patient satisfaction by making it easier for patients to access and interact with their healthcare provider.

It can also help practices reduce no-show rates and improve patient retention by reminding patients about their appointments and providing them with convenient ways to communicate with their doctors.

Additionally, practice management software helps to reduce administrative workload and improve efficiency by automating tasks such as appointment scheduling and billing.

Overall, using practice management software for digital health patient engagement can be a valuable tool for healthcare practices that want to improve the patient experience and streamline their operations.

Summing Up

There are a number of potential benefits to digital health patient engagement, including:

Improved patient satisfaction

Digital health tools can make it easier for patients to access and interact with their healthcare provider, which can lead to higher levels of patient satisfaction.

Increased patient adherence

Patient adherence and health outcomes can be improved by using PMS to remind them of their appointments and treatment regimens.

Reduced no-show rates

It is possible to reduce no-show rates by using digital health tools to remind patients about their appointments and provide convenient ways to communicate with their healthcare provider.

Improved patient retention

Patient satisfaction and adherence can be improved with such tools, leading to higher patient retention.

Reduced administrative workload

Appointment scheduling and billing can be automated, reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency.

Improved access to care

It can be easier for patients to access care with the help of new technologies, especially in rural or underserved areas.

By taking these steps, healthcare providers can help engage patients in digital health and encourage them to take an active role in their own care. Also, providers can help improve patient outcomes and provide a more convenient and efficient healthcare experience.