Top 5 Ways to Increase Patient Engagement in 2024
In 2024, it’s harder than ever to get patients engaged with their health. As a provider, you’re competing for your patients’ attention with every other digital distraction in their life. But at the same time, studies show that patient health is on the decline.
According to America’s Health Rankings’ 2023 annual report: chronic conditions including “arthritis, depression, diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)— have reached their highest level since they began tracking them.” [1]
What we’re left with is increasingly disconnected and chronically ill patients. So what can be done? Healthcare providers need to embrace technology as the solution for engaging patients.
Here are 5 ways to increase patient engagement in 2024, using technology:
1. Make it Easier for Patients to Book Online
Scheduling appointments is a critical touchpoint in the patient engagement journey. Patients have a variety of reasons to avoid seeing their doctor [2], whether it’s their busy schedule, scheduling anxiety, or a fear of seeing a provider.
However, the only way that you can get a hold of your patients is ensuring that they’re seen.
The easier it is for patients to schedule appointments, the more likely they are to engage with your healthcare services. And if patients are given too many hurdles to booking with your practice, they can’t get plugged into their care.
Essentially, “you want to hook them when you book them,” by making the appointment scheduling process as seamless and user-friendly as possible. The best way to do this is make sure that patients can schedule easily online.
BodySite’s Patient Booking functionality allows providers to use their unique URL to book new or existing patients anywhere on the web, including social media, the provider’s website and more.
Implementing an intuitive and efficient patient booking system not only enhances convenience for patients but also streamlines the administrative processes for healthcare providers.
Features such as online appointment scheduling, real-time availability, and automated reminders can significantly reduce barriers to engagement.
2. Educate Patients Automatically
Interactive patient education tools empower patients by providing easily accessible and easy-to-digest information. These tools can include multimedia content, interactive modules, and helpful health resources.
By engaging with an interactive patient education program, patients can engage with their program daily, just like they would check their favorite social media app, to learn more about how to improve their health.
Patient engagement is closely tied to the level of understanding and awareness patients have about their health conditions and treatment options.
If patients don’t believe that they need to make a change, they won’t be motivated to participate in their care. By offering engaging and informative content, healthcare providers you can actively involve patients in their healthcare journey.
BodySite offers a wide variety of patient care program templates, ranging from chronic condition specific programs, to sleep, diet or exercise plans.
These programs foster a sense of empowerment and encourage patients to actively participate in decision-making processes. When patients are well-informed, they are more likely to follow treatment plans and adhere to prescribed interventions, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
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3. Message Patients In-Between Office Visits
Effective communication is at the heart of patient engagement. Instant messaging and communication tools enable healthcare providers to stay connected with their patients outside traditional clinic visits.
Patients currently receive automatic notifications for their texts, direct messages and more on their mobile device or computer.
If you want to connect with patients in a way that is HIPAA compliant but also easy for your patient to access you need to leverage instant messaging with patients.
Secure messaging platforms, like BodySite, allow for direct and timely communication, fostering a sense of accessibility and personalized care.
These messaging tools help to create a continuous and supportive relationship between healthcare professionals and patients.
4. Notify Your Patients
Patient engagement thrives on timely and relevant information. Patient notification systems can be employed to deliver automated alerts, reminders, and updates to patients.
This can include appointment reminders, task-related alerts, and preventive care notifications.
By leveraging patient notifications, you can ensure that patients are informed about upcoming appointments, follow-up actions, and proactive health measures.These personalized notifications contribute to better patient compliance, reduce no-show rates, and ultimately enhance the overall patient experience.
5. Leverage Telehealth Solutions: Meet From Anywhere
Telehealth is, as you know, a powerful tool for increasing patient engagement. Despite the recent Telehealth craze, its not a tool to be disregarded. Telehealth is particularly valuable in improving access to care for patients who face geographical, mobility, or time-related barriers.
By incorporating Telehealth into your practice, you can offer flexible and convenient options for patient interaction. This not only enhances patient engagement but also contributes to better health outcomes by ensuring regular communication and monitoring of patients’ well-being.
BodySite: Your Patient Engagement Solution
If you’re ready to give your patient experience a boost in 2024, look no further than BodySite. We have a myriad of patient and provider tools that will streamline your workflows, increase your practice efficiency and improve patient care.
We offer a 30-Day Free Trial where you can experience all the tools inside the BodySite platform. Sign up for BodySite today to explore how these tools can transform your patient care approach and streamline your patient management.
SOURCES:
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/reasons-people-dont-go-to-the-doctor-4779661