The future is digital – reimagining patient engagement
Interactive patient systems provide a path forward, bringing much-needed efficiency to day-to-day operations for our caregivers, and providing patients and families with the comfort and information they need during one of the most difficult times in history.
Long before the term Covid-19 was part of our vernacular, hospitals were experiencing rising rates of clinician burnout, and the complexity of our healthcare system was placing undue stress and anxiety on patients. But, the last year and a half has been unprecedented for our industry. Those in healthcare watch it unfold daily — the fear and exhaustion, the uncertainty spurred by required isolation levels and disjointed communications–the engagement gap will continue to widen if the industry does not act.
Though healthcare technology is not able to suit up and physically join the care team, and IT specialists might not be able to personally assuage patient fears, there are ways leaders in the healthcare IT space can help create environments that support care teams, patients, and families, to lessen or eliminate gaps in care and engagement.
It starts with setting the right tone for patients when they first enter the hospital room. Healthcare leaders must think of the hospital room as the patient’s space and leverage technology with the patient in mind. Modern patient engagement platforms can address a patient by name and personalize their care experience by delivering customized education, entertainment, and relaxation to their bedside. They can also transform formerly reactive devices such as the in-room TV into an interactive system that puts everything at the patient’s fingertips. As patients become more informed and start to feel like part of the care team, they can ask questions, raise concerns, and proactively prepare for discharge. It’s a simple way to provide patients with more meaningful interactions, while building deeper relationships, establishing trust, and ultimately fostering loyalty.
