Crucial Patient Engagement Tools that Every Provider Must Offer

One of the key reasons for the growth of the patient engagement solutions market (CAGR: 15.28 percent from 2023 to 2030) is the growing adoption of digital health technologies amongst patients and providers. Digital health tech such as patient engagement tools empower patients and make them feel in control of their health and treatment plans. Engaged patients are more satisfied with their check-ups, and routine follow-ups by their physicians boost their reassurance about care.

Moreover, patient engagement tools like online scheduling or patient portals help reduce burnout in healthcare providers and support staff. They no longer have to do mundane tasks like fixing appointments or handling patients in waiting rooms. The introduction of automated appointment scheduling, reminders, online form-filling options, and more has eased the burden on the medical staff.

Engaged patients are more likely to return to the same hospital or clinic time and again, thereby ensuring higher ROI for providers. So, implementing the right patient engagement tools is essential for them. This article covers top patient engagement tools that will boost engagement and satisfaction rates.

Here are the Top Patient Engagement Tools

1. Online Scheduling

In a world where people prefer to book tables or movie tickets online, healthcare providers must offer the option of online scheduling. It attracts a crowd that is digitally engaged and uses the internet for their daily activities. Putting scheduling in the hands of patients empowers them to take control of their healthcare journey – virtually or in person. Additionally, it automates admin tasks, allowing staff to spend time with patients, therefore augmenting patient’s in-person experience.

According to the 2022 U.S. Consumer Trends in Patient Engagement Survey, among the 35 percent who used a connected approach (mobile/online self-scheduling, text, web form fill) to book appointments, 70 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their experience. Patients prefer a seamless online scheduling experience.

A tool with a great user interface is likely to create an optimal scheduling experience for patients, they can easily navigate without training. Apart from this, online scheduling allows patients to book appointments 24/7 and on any device. It is quite convenient for people with busy routines.

2. Notifications and Reminders

Notifications and reminders tool are a great way to keep patients in check of their health. It also helps providers to manage their workflow and routine. Ways in which notifications and reminders engage patients and providers are:

1. Appointment Reminders: Appointment reminders are the best way to prevent no-shows at healthcare facilities. Causes of no-shows are either poor healthcare services or patients simply forgetting the appointment. Reminders ensure that patients show up on time or cancel appointments, so it doesn’t disrupt the routine of a physician.
2. Test Result Notifications: Healthcare software such as EHRs, telemedicine, or patient portals provide test results directly to the patients. So, whenever a lab result is available patients receive a notification.
3. Medication Reminders: Medication reminders are useful for people who lead a busy life and may forget to keep track of their medicines. It also helps the elderly patients, who tend to forget to take medicines.
4. Wellness Reminders: This includes reminders like drinking water, high BP, or low oxygen levels, which are commonly found in wearable technology. It is synced with the provider’s EHR or telemedicine software, so they can also keep track of their patient’s wellness.
5. Payment Reminders: Payments include premium plans with high rates, so knowing when and how much to pay can be complex. Payment reminders help patients to be financially responsible and not miss or overdue payments.
6. Copay Notifications: Copay is collected when treatment is provided but also applied after the visit. Timely notifications help to avert unwanted debts.
7. Medication Adherence Reminders: Medication adherence reminders are essential for patients with chronic conditions. It may improve care plans and overall patient outcomes.
8. Medicine Refill Notifications: Medicine refill notifications ensure that patients don’t miss out on their dosages. They can have their drugs delivered by the pharmacy ahead of time.

3. Tools for Virtual Care

Virtual care connect patients and physicians over video conferencing or chats, thereby enhancing patient care. Virtual care solutions have improved patient satisfaction because treatment is accessible. It is especially convenient for patients with mental health issues, chronic diseases, or follow-up care.

Virtual care solutions include:

1. Telehealth

In a world driven by connectivity, telehealth facilitates remote medical consultations, enabling patients to access quality care from the comfort of their homes. Through video calls, secure messaging, and digital monitoring tools, healthcare professionals can diagnose, treat, and monitor patients in real time.

This approach enhances accessibility and empowers individuals to proactively manage their health, fostering a new era of patient-centered care that is convenient.

2. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Remote patient monitoring augments virtual care by altering how patients and physicians approach healthcare. RPM allows healthcare providers to monitor patients’ vital signs and health data remotely. This real-time insight enables proactive interventions, reducing hospitalizations and enhancing patient outcomes. From chronic disease management to post-operative care, RPM fosters personalized and efficient healthcare delivery.

3. Wearables

Wearable devices provide real-time data on vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and activity levels, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely. They assist in managing chronic conditions by tracking relevant health metrics. This continuous data stream aids in the early detection of anomalies, allowing for timely interventions. Wearables equipped with advanced sensors facilitate remote diagnostics, enabling healthcare providers to assess patients without the need for in-person visits.

Beyond medical conditions, wearables track lifestyle factors like sleep patterns and physical activity, contributing to a holistic understanding of a patient’s health. After surgeries or medical procedures, wearables can monitor recovery progress, providing valuable insights into patients’ well-being and potentially minimizing hospital readmissions.

Wrapping Up

Patient engagement tools foster a relationship of care, trust, empowerment, and satisfaction between providers and patients. From wearables to online scheduling, these tools have transformed the healthcare sector and enhanced care accessibility for patients. These tools are a symbol of more patient-centric care.

Healthcare providers must have these crucial patient engagement tools for better health care and outcomes. To know more about these healthcare solutions, connect with Arkenea, a leading healthcare software development company in the USA.