The primary objectives of healthcare leaders should include two things: keep the business and the patient as healthy as possible. Both of these objectives are more easily accomplished by improving the engagement of their patients in their own healthcare. Studies have shown that patients engaged in their own healthcare present with better outcomes and fewer complications. This equates to healthier, happier patients, and a higher net revenue for the organization. Listed below are 10 of the best ways your organization can strive to improve its patients' engagement.
- Simplify Information- Just because you know what something means doesn't mean the patient does. Most patients weren't taught medical terms or how to interpret complex medical bills. Whenever possible you should simplify things down. In order for a patient to be involved in their own care they need to be able to understand what is going on.
- Be Specific- It can be difficult for a patient to follow through with something if they don't know exactly how to do it. For example, rather than just saying "eat healthier", you could help them create a SMART (specific, measurable, action, results, timeline) goal.
- Encourage Patients to Set Goals- Here is another good place to suggest a SMART goal. Either way goals are important in getting patients active. It opens their eyes to what can be accomplished and results in better outcomes because of it.
- Know Where Each Party Stands- Communication is key here. The patient's goal can't be achieved unless you are both on the same page. Make sure to explain your reasoning for your suggestions to the patient so that is all makes sense. If a patient thinks something is pointless then they are likely not going to follow through.
- Be Able to Share Information- This is commonly done through a patient portal. It helps the patient to stay active in their care by opening up a channel for exchange of information. This way they can maintain contact for questions or interact as they track their progress.
- Hold Patients Accountable- It is in the best interest of the organization and the patient both to keep the patient accountable. Having the information exchange is one good way to help them stay accountable, but there are other options such as weekly check-ins and reminders.
- Education- A patient can want to be involved in their healthcare all they want, but if they don't know how it doesn't do them any good. Providing education to the patients counteracts that by giving them information about how to use the healthcare system. It can also aide in giving them information related to their conditions so they can take care of themselves better.
- Maintain Open Access Scheduling- Part of a patient's ability to stay active in their healthcare is their ability to get to the doctor. A heavy schedule can make this difficult when they have other responsibilities. Having access to set their own appointments can help relieve that.
- Maintain Open Medical Records- Having medical records available to the patient can give them the opportunity to stay up to date with their results and healthcare. They could also be seen at another clinic and easy access to this information would be beneficial in their continuum of care.
- Provide Patient Reported Outcomes- This goes along with keeping patients accountable and having them share information. Giving patients the option to access an online portal where they can input their progress not only keeps the provider up to date, but keeps the patient involved as well.
References
“5
Ways Cleveland Clinic Improved Its Patient Engagement Strategies.” Healthcare
IT News, 1 Oct. 2013,
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/5-ways-cleveland-clinic-improved-its-patient-engagement-strategies.
6
Essential Strategies to Improve Patient Engagement.
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/patient-engagement/6-essential-strategies-to-improve-patient-engagement.html.
“The
Essentials for Patient Engagement.” SperoMD, 24 May 2019, https://speromd.com/the-essentials-for-patient-engagement/.
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