How can technology play a part?
In years past, a patient’s opportunity to connect with their provider was generally limited to when they met face-to-face. During business hours, patients could try calling their provider in urgent scenarios. This reactive and limited approach could help patients navigate acute attacks or provide high-level guidance for patients navigating chronic illnesses — but that wasn’t always enough.
Patient expectations for communication have expanded alongside the proliferation of websites, smartphones, and patient portals. Incorporating technology into patient care plans has made ongoing care and consistent communication easier and more effective than ever before.
Patients feel they are getting a better return on their investment when they can participate in and contribute to their own care plan. Practices that do not actively pursue patient engagement risk losing patients to other providers that put the knowledge and tools for better health in patients’ hands.