The global health crisis put undue pressure on medical facilities worldwide. From supply and staffing shortages to crowded emergency rooms and rising death tolls, hospitals, private practices, and clinics struggled to maintain control and provide adequate patient care. Although the worst appears to be over, the many obstacles encouraged healthcare leaders to rethink their approach to patient care.
The Importance Of The Provider-Patient Connection
Chief Medical Officer at Phillips, Jan Kimpen breaks down the future health index report of 2022 into three key components: improving the staffing experience, capitalizing on predictive analytics, and heightening healthcare data security. By focusing on these factors, healthcare facilities can enhance patient connection.
It’s important for every healthcare provider to know how to connect with their patients. One of the most common complaints people have about doctors and other healthcare professionals is that they don’t feel heard.
Any successful healthcare leader knows that a connection between providers and patients can help improve health outcomes, provide patients with a greater sense of control, and foster trust in medical professionals. Ultimately, developing strategies and utilising digital resources that enhance the experience of medical staff and patients is essential.
Below is a look at two technological resources today’s healthcare leaders are relying on to improve staff experience and patient care.
Engagement Platforms Improve Quality of Care
Telehealth services became integral to patient care amid the global health crisis. It provided a secure and convenient platform for doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical staff to remotely tend to their patient’s needs. As a result, healthcare leaders have adopted tools that will help bridge the communication gap between other medical experts and services.
Pharmaceutical engagement platforms, for example, help medical professionals complete health care provider responsibilities more efficiently. It enables pharmaceutical representatives to engage with HCPs and offer suggestions on the best prescriptions to enhance patient care. Such platforms streamline processes, which reduces healthcare worker stress and improves the patient experience.
Interactive Portals Help Doctors And Patients Work Together
More healthcare leaders are encouraging their staff to promote the use of patient portals for an improved experience. These secure, user-friendly platforms enable patients to complete forms, review medical records, schedule appointments, request referrals, and interact with doctors, giving them more control over their health.
No one wants to feel like they can have no control over their bodies. People need as many options as possible when it comes to their health, and one way to do that is to give them control over their own information. Patient portals help users make more informed decisions.
This is helpful for patients who are new in your office or those who may have trouble remembering everything that’s happened with their treatment plan. By allowing patients access to their own health information, you’ll also increase trust between you and your patients because they’ll know that they’re receiving the best care possible.
Lastly, medical databases with patient portals ensure healthcare facilities remain compliant with federal and local regulations and avoid rising cybersecurity risks by keeping patient data accessible and secure. They also enable healthcare workers to provide more efficient services by selecting the best communication medium, distributing educational materials, offering various treatment options, and following up on patient expectations and care.
Social Platforms Improve Patient Education And Community Outreach
Yolanda Marie Johnson-Moton, a strategy consultant at USMD Health Education Development stresses the importance of healthcare providers tapping into multiple accessible platforms to communicate with the communities they serve.
Social media, in particular, provides a safe space for the medical industry to engage, educate, and support existing and potential patients in their efforts to improve their health and wellness. From posting articles, case studies, and infographics, to notifying audieneces about upcoming events and financial assistance, social media has proven to be a beneficial tool to spread the word.
Social media has helped healthcare professionals reach millions, build credibility, and cultivate a trusting relationship that encourages followers to prioritise their well-being.
If the past few years have taught healthcare leaders anything, it’s the importance of the provider-patient connection. As the world becomes more complex and patient needs change, healthcare executives are doing everything in their power to ensure they provide the best level of care. The use of the technologies listed above have helped medical directors, chief medical officers, and education consultants to implement systems to improve staff experience, while strengthening the provider-patient relationship.
