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Improving Patient Engagement

5 Strategies for Improving Patient Engagement in Healthcare

By Nitin Dangwal / March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023
5 Strategies for Improving Patient Engagement in Healthcare

After the occurrence of the pandemic, people have started taking care of their health and well-being as a crucial necessity. Improving patient engagement to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just a mindset but is now a necessary notion. Healthcare has expanded into an ever-involving industry and is rapidly expanding with new innovations.  

Research suggests that increasing patient engagement can change the way patients experience their care, improve results, and promote healthier lifestyles. In order to better engage patients, healthcare organizations use various tactics including healthcare leaders.  

What is Patient Engagement? 

Patient Engagement is described as a state of being in which patients are well-informed about all of the potential treatments, recovery, and medical care options as well as all other systems that are pertinent to their medical care and will help to improve health outcomes.

It also encompasses the steps people take to make the most of a healthcare professional or the services offered by a healthcare facility.  

Healthcare organizations actively participate in the process of patient engagement, also known as patient activation.

According to the Health Affairs study, patient activation, which they define as a subdued urgency to monitor and take proactive steps to manage one's holistic well-being, can also be viewed as a push towards a deeper level of involvement that can only happen when a person realizes their significance in the course of their care. 

Also, read: Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Key trends in healthcare for 2023

Why is Patient Engagement so crucial? 

Through patient engagement, one can achieve three main core objectives of healthcare professionals. The first goal is to enhance the patient experience; the second is to advance public health; and the third is to lower healthcare expenses.

It is now more crucial than ever for medical facilities to pay attention to patient opinions and put the patient at the center of all medical care. A new model of healthcare is emerging, one in which the first step is patient empowerment and education. 

Also, read: Importance of Customer Service in Healthcare and Top Software

How can Healthcare providers improve communication? 

Patients perceive healthcare information as an essential part of their lives. Timely information improves overall lifestyle.

With the advent of technology in healthcare there are numerous easy ways patients can interact with healthcare providers to obtain information and stay up-to-date.

One of the most important factors to note by healthcare providers is to provide relevant information to patients.  

According to Accenture, 41% of patients are willing to switch healthcare organizations for accessing digital tools to manage their health.  

It has been shown that patients navigate more information regarding their health which is similar to their interests. One tends to incline towards information that is relevant to them. In terms of any change or challenge, one is facing.

Healthcare professionals should emphasize providing curated information in order to improve patient engagement. Hardly, anyone would prefer to go through any information that is not relevant to them.

Any information regarding certain conditions, illnesses or symptoms that hampers a patient will attract anyone to go through any information.  

Also, read: Future of Mobile Technology in Healthcare

Strategies to improve Patient Engagement

The right move can help organizations attain great results while interacting with patients. Through common surveys and responses in research, we’ve compiled a thorough list of points to improve patient engagement.

If enacted into the work process, work professionals can get benefitted easily. Let us discuss the points in detail:  

[embedimage]

1. Educating Patients for better awareness

It has been shown that patient education greatly improves compliance. It's advantageous for individuals to comprehend their diagnoses and the treatment options available to them. Patients are more likely to think the efforts and outcomes are worthwhile when they trust and comprehend the prescribed instructions. 

Patients may not always adhere to their treatment plans when receiving services. Worse clinical results, more hospital stays, and reduced quality of life are all linked to non-adherence. Maintaining patient engagement and compliance with their health management is a crucial step. 

Knowing the patient's background and how they are feeling at the time of care is crucial. Urge patients to see their lab results on the patient portal or email them more details about their medication in their safe mailbox. This can encourage a patient to become more involved in their medical care. 

Patient portals and the resources listed below are a few tools that can promote awareness, education, and subsequent involvement: 

  1. Health technology: Easy-to-use patient apps, training, and access to electronic health records encourage interest and communication. Using email more frequently facilitates communication between patients and healthcare professionals and may increase patients' interest in treatments. 
  1. Peer support: Patients may feel overwhelmed when dealing with health issues. By introducing a support group, you can give them more information and help by putting them in touch with people who have experienced your condition directly. It's crucial to give people access to both local and online support groups. 

2. Mutual decision-making with patients

Sharing the decision-making process between doctors is a further suggestion for enhancing patient engagement.

In the context of decision-making, informed participation fosters a relationship between patients and doctors and can support the latter as they seek to enhance communication and other engagement strategies.

Patient-reported outcomes deteriorated when collaborative decision-making was absent from care interactions or when it fell short of a certain level.

When choosing tests, therapies, and care plans based on clinical data, doctors and patients collaborate. This process is known as shared decision-making. Making health plans and goals with patients is a successful engagement technique. 

Patients are more inclined to comply with a treatment they had a hand in developing. Planning and communication must involve the patients' involvement as well as that of their care team.

In order to promote patients' participation in their health regimen, care teams must educate patients and assist them in making educated decisions. 

3. Visual data aids in communications with patients

It’s a well-proven fact that visual representations like (images, graphs, or data) work much more effectively compared to textual content. Patients generally prefer to emphasize reading information when they feel like the problem is unavoidable.

Otherwise, most people only attract to finding more about any interesting topic when it caught their attention. And pictures work best in that way.  

Clinicians and other healthcare professionals should use visual aids as a last resort when implementing patient engagement strategies. These tools, which can include diagrams, graphics, photos, and even videos, can aid in simplifying difficult ideas.

Once these visual aids are used, particularly throughout the decision-making process, patients can more easily collaborate with their loved ones and medical professionals to select the most appropriate course of treatment. 

4. Building relationships and trust with patients

Working on building a patient relationship will improve patient engagement and outcomes. It can provide in-depth insights into this patient group by segmenting patient groups and identifying information about their risks, diagnoses, and coverage.

The tactics required to provide care can be determined by identifying patients in order to better understand the population and their particular needs for treatment.    

Access to the right information and support helps to build trust in patients. Directly helping to improve patient engagement.  

5. Creating a patient-centered approach to care

A patient-centered approach to care is an approach that focuses on the patient's needs and preferences, rather than solely on the medical condition.

It involves treating patients as individuals and taking into account their social, cultural, and emotional needs, as well as their medical needs.

It also involves involving patients in the decision-making process and partnering with them to develop a treatment plan that best fits their needs. 

Also, read: The Role and Risks of chatbots in Healthcare Industry

Simplifying healthcare information for patients 

The main concern while invading patient journals is to know how to understand complex terminologies. As a healthcare professional, it is very necessary to provide information to patients in the easiest form. Researchers have proven that many patients show disinterest due to a lack of complex language communicated to them.  

Due to the fact that these responsibilities were frequently handled by experts during longer hospital stays, many patients and their families frequently find themselves ill-equipped to handle their present healthcare situation.

Medical professionals must let their patients know that they are included in the decision-making process in order to make the best use of this skill. This guarantees that patients are active participants in their care. 

Technology upgrades healthcare 

With the emergence of “Cloud Computing”, medical professionals and hospitals now have the ability to improve patient involvement by giving them access to their medical information, test results, and even doctor's notes from any location, at any time. Patients have greater control and authority as a result, and they also become more informed about their medical situations.  

By 2025, the global market for healthcare cloud computing is expected to reach $45 billion, growing at an average pace of 11.6%. 

Easy accessibility ensures patient engagement in healthcare. Now there are multiple ways for patients to check their health status via different software. Patients are becoming accustomed to receiving healthcare services right away.

Additionally, by enabling patients to access their medical records, healthcare cloud computing improves patient outcomes by increasing patient participation. The democratization of data combined with remote access to healthcare liberates patients and providers while removing geographic restrictions on access to care.  

Also, read: How to Develop a Healthcare App in 2023?

How does Salesforce Health Cloud improve patient engagement in Healthcare? 

Salesforce Health Cloud aids healthcare businesses in achieving their objectives and bettering patient outcomes. The platform offers a digital center that aids businesses in managing patient data, exchanging information, and establishing connections with clients, suppliers, and other businesses. 

Using the channel that patients enjoy most, Salesforce's solution enables real-time communication with cares, nurses, or hospitals. Healthcare experts can determine whether or not proactive measures are needed to lower the risk by combining the data from all the sources. 

By being able to remotely determine whether a patient has to be admitted to the hospital, accommodations can be made before the patient ever arrives at the facility, allowing for the provision of prompt care. Engaging patients in preventive healthcare practices increase the likelihood that they will return to the same hospital in the future. 

Conclusion  

The healthcare industry can improve overall outcomes and streamline patient services with the use of cutting-edge technology platforms and the backing of leaders and managers. Yet, a closer look reveals that there are still obstacles to overcome in the process of improving patient engagement. Continuous patient engagement can help to identify and eliminate errors and promise a better consumer experience.  

Making use of the above tools and strategies can increase patient engagement and give patients the impression that their requirements are met. Healthcare has a long way to go in terms of expanding in the technological domain.  

Also, read: Healthcare Data Security: A Brief Overview of Challenges and Safety Measures

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is Patient Engagement in Healthcare? 

Patient engagement in healthcare refers to the involvement of patients in their own healthcare management, treatment, and decision-making process. It is a process of empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. 

Q. Why is Patient Engagement important in Healthcare? 

Patient engagement is important in healthcare because it can improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the overall quality of care. When patients are engaged in their own healthcare, they are more likely to follow their treatment plan, have better communication with their healthcare providers, and have improved health outcomes. 

Q. What are some strategies for improving patient engagement in healthcare? 

There are several strategies for improving patient engagement in healthcare, including: 
- Providing education and resources to patients 
- Encouraging patient participation in the decision-making process 
- Using technology to improve communication and engagement 
- Building relationships and trust with patients 
- Creating a patient-centered approach to care 

Q. How can healthcare providers encourage patient participation in the decision-making process? 

Healthcare providers can encourage patient participation in the decision-making process by: 
- Providing patients with all the necessary information about their condition and treatment options.
- Encouraging patients to ask questions and express their concerns.
- Working collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan that takes into account their preferences and values.
- Providing patients with decision aids, such as pamphlets or videos, to help them make informed decisions. 

Q. How can technology be used to improve patient engagement in healthcare? 

Technology can be used to improve patient engagement in healthcare by: 
- Providing patients with access to their health records and test results.
- Using telemedicine to improve access to care and reduce barriers to healthcare.
- Sending patients appointment reminders and medication reminders via text or email.
- Using patient portals to allow patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, schedule appointments, and request prescription refills. 

[sc name="Salesforce Automation"] [add_newsletter] [add_related_page_diff_contents blog_cat = "healthcare"]

After the occurrence of the pandemic, people have started taking care of their health and well-being as a crucial necessity. Improving patient engagement to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just a mindset but is now a necessary notion. Healthcare has expanded into an ever-involving industry and is rapidly expanding with new innovations.  

Research suggests that increasing patient engagement can change the way patients experience their care, improve results, and promote healthier lifestyles. In order to better engage patients, healthcare organizations use various tactics including healthcare leaders.  

What is Patient Engagement? 

Patient Engagement is described as a state of being in which patients are well-informed about all of the potential treatments, recovery, and medical care options as well as all other systems that are pertinent to their medical care and will help to improve health outcomes.

It also encompasses the steps people take to make the most of a healthcare professional or the services offered by a healthcare facility.  

Healthcare organizations actively participate in the process of patient engagement, also known as patient activation.

According to the Health Affairs study, patient activation, which they define as a subdued urgency to monitor and take proactive steps to manage one’s holistic well-being, can also be viewed as a push towards a deeper level of involvement that can only happen when a person realizes their significance in the course of their care. 

Also, read: Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Key trends in healthcare for 2023

Why is Patient Engagement so crucial? 

Through patient engagement, one can achieve three main core objectives of healthcare professionals. The first goal is to enhance the patient experience; the second is to advance public health; and the third is to lower healthcare expenses.

It is now more crucial than ever for medical facilities to pay attention to patient opinions and put the patient at the center of all medical care. A new model of healthcare is emerging, one in which the first step is patient empowerment and education. 

Also, read: Importance of Customer Service in Healthcare and Top Software

How can Healthcare providers improve communication? 

Patients perceive healthcare information as an essential part of their lives. Timely information improves overall lifestyle.

With the advent of technology in healthcare there are numerous easy ways patients can interact with healthcare providers to obtain information and stay up-to-date.

One of the most important factors to note by healthcare providers is to provide relevant information to patients.  

According to Accenture, 41% of patients are willing to switch healthcare organizations for accessing digital tools to manage their health.  

It has been shown that patients navigate more information regarding their health which is similar to their interests. One tends to incline towards information that is relevant to them. In terms of any change or challenge, one is facing.

Healthcare professionals should emphasize providing curated information in order to improve patient engagement. Hardly, anyone would prefer to go through any information that is not relevant to them.

Any information regarding certain conditions, illnesses or symptoms that hampers a patient will attract anyone to go through any information.  

Also, read: Future of Mobile Technology in Healthcare

Strategies to improve Patient Engagement

The right move can help organizations attain great results while interacting with patients. Through common surveys and responses in research, we’ve compiled a thorough list of points to improve patient engagement.

If enacted into the work process, work professionals can get benefitted easily. Let us discuss the points in detail:  

Copy Infographic
×

1. Educating Patients for better awareness

It has been shown that patient education greatly improves compliance. It’s advantageous for individuals to comprehend their diagnoses and the treatment options available to them. Patients are more likely to think the efforts and outcomes are worthwhile when they trust and comprehend the prescribed instructions. 

Patients may not always adhere to their treatment plans when receiving services. Worse clinical results, more hospital stays, and reduced quality of life are all linked to non-adherence. Maintaining patient engagement and compliance with their health management is a crucial step. 

Knowing the patient’s background and how they are feeling at the time of care is crucial. Urge patients to see their lab results on the patient portal or email them more details about their medication in their safe mailbox. This can encourage a patient to become more involved in their medical care. 

Patient portals and the resources listed below are a few tools that can promote awareness, education, and subsequent involvement: 

  1. Health technology: Easy-to-use patient apps, training, and access to electronic health records encourage interest and communication. Using email more frequently facilitates communication between patients and healthcare professionals and may increase patients’ interest in treatments. 
  1. Peer support: Patients may feel overwhelmed when dealing with health issues. By introducing a support group, you can give them more information and help by putting them in touch with people who have experienced your condition directly. It’s crucial to give people access to both local and online support groups. 

2. Mutual decision-making with patients

Sharing the decision-making process between doctors is a further suggestion for enhancing patient engagement.

In the context of decision-making, informed participation fosters a relationship between patients and doctors and can support the latter as they seek to enhance communication and other engagement strategies.

Patient-reported outcomes deteriorated when collaborative decision-making was absent from care interactions or when it fell short of a certain level.

When choosing tests, therapies, and care plans based on clinical data, doctors and patients collaborate. This process is known as shared decision-making. Making health plans and goals with patients is a successful engagement technique. 

Patients are more inclined to comply with a treatment they had a hand in developing. Planning and communication must involve the patients’ involvement as well as that of their care team.

In order to promote patients’ participation in their health regimen, care teams must educate patients and assist them in making educated decisions. 

3. Visual data aids in communications with patients

It’s a well-proven fact that visual representations like (images, graphs, or data) work much more effectively compared to textual content. Patients generally prefer to emphasize reading information when they feel like the problem is unavoidable.

Otherwise, most people only attract to finding more about any interesting topic when it caught their attention. And pictures work best in that way.  

Clinicians and other healthcare professionals should use visual aids as a last resort when implementing patient engagement strategies. These tools, which can include diagrams, graphics, photos, and even videos, can aid in simplifying difficult ideas.

Once these visual aids are used, particularly throughout the decision-making process, patients can more easily collaborate with their loved ones and medical professionals to select the most appropriate course of treatment. 

4. Building relationships and trust with patients

Working on building a patient relationship will improve patient engagement and outcomes. It can provide in-depth insights into this patient group by segmenting patient groups and identifying information about their risks, diagnoses, and coverage.

The tactics required to provide care can be determined by identifying patients in order to better understand the population and their particular needs for treatment.    

Access to the right information and support helps to build trust in patients. Directly helping to improve patient engagement.  

5. Creating a patient-centered approach to care

A patient-centered approach to care is an approach that focuses on the patient’s needs and preferences, rather than solely on the medical condition.

It involves treating patients as individuals and taking into account their social, cultural, and emotional needs, as well as their medical needs.

It also involves involving patients in the decision-making process and partnering with them to develop a treatment plan that best fits their needs. 

Also, read: The Role and Risks of chatbots in Healthcare Industry

Simplifying healthcare information for patients 

The main concern while invading patient journals is to know how to understand complex terminologies. As a healthcare professional, it is very necessary to provide information to patients in the easiest form. Researchers have proven that many patients show disinterest due to a lack of complex language communicated to them.  

Due to the fact that these responsibilities were frequently handled by experts during longer hospital stays, many patients and their families frequently find themselves ill-equipped to handle their present healthcare situation.

Medical professionals must let their patients know that they are included in the decision-making process in order to make the best use of this skill. This guarantees that patients are active participants in their care. 

Technology upgrades healthcare 

With the emergence of “Cloud Computing”, medical professionals and hospitals now have the ability to improve patient involvement by giving them access to their medical information, test results, and even doctor’s notes from any location, at any time. Patients have greater control and authority as a result, and they also become more informed about their medical situations.  

By 2025, the global market for healthcare cloud computing is expected to reach $45 billion, growing at an average pace of 11.6%. 

Easy accessibility ensures patient engagement in healthcare. Now there are multiple ways for patients to check their health status via different software. Patients are becoming accustomed to receiving healthcare services right away.

Additionally, by enabling patients to access their medical records, healthcare cloud computing improves patient outcomes by increasing patient participation. The democratization of data combined with remote access to healthcare liberates patients and providers while removing geographic restrictions on access to care.  

Also, read: How to Develop a Healthcare App in 2023?

How does Salesforce Health Cloud improve patient engagement in Healthcare? 

Salesforce Health Cloud aids healthcare businesses in achieving their objectives and bettering patient outcomes. The platform offers a digital center that aids businesses in managing patient data, exchanging information, and establishing connections with clients, suppliers, and other businesses. 

Using the channel that patients enjoy most, Salesforce’s solution enables real-time communication with cares, nurses, or hospitals. Healthcare experts can determine whether or not proactive measures are needed to lower the risk by combining the data from all the sources. 

By being able to remotely determine whether a patient has to be admitted to the hospital, accommodations can be made before the patient ever arrives at the facility, allowing for the provision of prompt care. Engaging patients in preventive healthcare practices increase the likelihood that they will return to the same hospital in the future. 

Conclusion  

The healthcare industry can improve overall outcomes and streamline patient services with the use of cutting-edge technology platforms and the backing of leaders and managers. Yet, a closer look reveals that there are still obstacles to overcome in the process of improving patient engagement. Continuous patient engagement can help to identify and eliminate errors and promise a better consumer experience.  

Making use of the above tools and strategies can increase patient engagement and give patients the impression that their requirements are met. Healthcare has a long way to go in terms of expanding in the technological domain.  

Also, read: Healthcare Data Security: A Brief Overview of Challenges and Safety Measures

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is Patient Engagement in Healthcare? 

Patient engagement in healthcare refers to the involvement of patients in their own healthcare management, treatment, and decision-making process. It is a process of empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. 

Q. Why is Patient Engagement important in Healthcare? 

Patient engagement is important in healthcare because it can improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the overall quality of care. When patients are engaged in their own healthcare, they are more likely to follow their treatment plan, have better communication with their healthcare providers, and have improved health outcomes. 

Q. What are some strategies for improving patient engagement in healthcare? 

There are several strategies for improving patient engagement in healthcare, including: 
– Providing education and resources to patients 
– Encouraging patient participation in the decision-making process 
– Using technology to improve communication and engagement 
– Building relationships and trust with patients 
– Creating a patient-centered approach to care 

Q. How can healthcare providers encourage patient participation in the decision-making process? 

Healthcare providers can encourage patient participation in the decision-making process by: 
– Providing patients with all the necessary information about their condition and treatment options.
– Encouraging patients to ask questions and express their concerns.
– Working collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan that takes into account their preferences and values.
– Providing patients with decision aids, such as pamphlets or videos, to help them make informed decisions. 

Q. How can technology be used to improve patient engagement in healthcare? 

Technology can be used to improve patient engagement in healthcare by: 
– Providing patients with access to their health records and test results.
– Using telemedicine to improve access to care and reduce barriers to healthcare.
– Sending patients appointment reminders and medication reminders via text or email.
– Using patient portals to allow patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, schedule appointments, and request prescription refills. 

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