The value of using digital technology to share information with patients is not news, which is why it has increasingly been at the forefront of healthcare and technology investments by healthcare providers for the last decade.
But despite the excellent research that has been done, most technology offered to date has primarily focused on building ways to efficiently distribute information, which isn't the same as patient education. It may seem like a slight distinction, but making information available to patients, no matter how timely, is not the same as teaching them something that will change their behavior, empower them, or improve their ability to make good decisions.
Result: Your patient is not feeling prepared, has unclear expectations, and is not confident in their knowledge or how to contribute to a successful outcome. Your patient starts making regular calls to your office, or worse, opts out of participating.
Good data will show you:
And, that list of efficiency and outcome-focused benefits such as a reduction in opioid use, hospital readmissions, phone calls, and more, will follow.
So how do you avoid the trap of generic information sharing and provide a way to instill confidence and empower patients? It starts with establishing a vision for what a patient should experience with your practice, and the vital role education can play in their success. Then find the right technology partner who offers the ability for you to deliver on this vision. Remember: the ability to customize and personalize is critical if you are going to hit the mark with your patients. One size does not fit all.
Our mission is to help organizations like yours deliver exceptional care experiences. If you would like to see how the SparxConnect engagement and collaboration platform can support your clinic's unique vision for patient education, send us a message.
About the author: Mary Pat Hinton
Mary Pat is the CEO and co-founder of Emmetros, the creators of SparxConnect. In 2014, she left her corporate leadership role to pursue her heart-work by launching Emmetros. Driven by a commitment to honor her late grandmother, Mary Pat set out to create technology that prioritizes the independence and dignity of the person receiving care.
References
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