How do you use digital tools to enhance patient education and engagement?

Patient education and engagement are essential for improving health outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing satisfaction. However, traditional methods of delivering information and support may not be enough to meet the needs and preferences of today's diverse and tech-savvy patients. That's why many healthcare managers are using digital tools to enhance patient education and engagement. Here are some of the ways you can leverage technology to empower your patients and improve your practice.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 7 contributions. Learn more

1 Online platforms

Online platforms are websites or apps that allow patients to access educational materials, communicate with providers, manage their appointments, view their records, and monitor their progress. Online platforms can help patients learn more about their conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies, as well as provide feedback and ask questions. They can also increase convenience, transparency, and accountability for both patients and providers. Online platforms can be customized to suit different patient groups, such as those with chronic diseases, mental health issues, or low health literacy.

Add your perspective

Andrew Lundquist

Designing the future of medicine with AI, Devices, and Services. Chief Medical Officer Mankato Clinic, Chief Innovation Officer at Stratum Med, Clinical Director at Nabla, Podiatrist, Co-Founder Sky Surgical
Report contribution
In my experience, patients need high quality information at every point in their journey. This is especially important as they prepare for a patient visit. I created a patient visit guide that helps patients get the best possible outcome in their next visit. https://www.gettingbetter.health/

Like
Sérgio Costa

Executive MBA| Registered Nurse| MSc Critical & Emergency Care| Healthcare Management
Report contribution
In my experience the younger generations are better informed about healthcare and can make better informed decisions. A well prepared and better informed client will without a doubt positively impact how treatments respond and how health/disease transitions are made.

Like

2 Interactive media

Interactive media are digital tools that use audio, video, animation, or games to deliver information and engage patients. Interactive media can help patients understand complex or abstract concepts, such as anatomy, physiology, or risk factors, by using visual and auditory cues, simulations, and scenarios. They can also motivate patients to change their behaviors, such as smoking, diet, or exercise, by using rewards, feedback, and challenges. Interactive media can be accessed through online platforms, mobile devices, or kiosks in healthcare settings.

Add your perspective

Jennifer Puentes Concepcion

Advanced Practice Nurse
Report contribution
One thing I found helpful in this realm was recommending podcasts related to the topic the patient needed education on. People were very receptive and often led to engagement and follow through.

Like
Annmarie G.

Experienced SaaS customer success professional passionate about mental health and well-being.
Report contribution
Interactive media is one of the staples of our Always Health product. We believe patients retain information better when they see visuals related to their condition and treatment plans. Our anatomical model can be used by a physician in clinic to help patients understand the issue and what a possible procedure could look like.

Like

3 Wearable devices

Wearable devices are gadgets that patients wear on their bodies, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, or sensors. Wearable devices can help patients track their vital signs, activity levels, sleep patterns, or symptoms, and transmit the data to their providers or online platforms. Wearable devices can help patients monitor their health status, identify trends or anomalies, and adjust their interventions accordingly. They can also provide reminders, alerts, or coaching to patients to help them adhere to their treatment plans or goals.

Add your perspective

Sérgio Costa

Executive MBA| Registered Nurse| MSc Critical & Emergency Care| Healthcare Management
Report contribution
In my experience the wearable devices are very useful in detecting abnormalities and conditions that are more erratic in nature and not always detected in the standard tests. I think they could cause even a higher and better impact if they start being used in older generations with higher comorbidity and chronic diseases.

Like

4 Telehealth services

Telehealth services are digital tools that enable patients to receive healthcare services remotely, such as consultations, assessments, prescriptions, or follow-ups. Telehealth services can help patients access care more easily, especially if they live in rural areas, have mobility issues, or face barriers such as transportation, time, or cost. They can also reduce exposure to infections, improve continuity of care, and increase patient satisfaction. Telehealth services can be delivered through phone calls, video calls, text messages, or online platforms.

Add your perspective

Helena Gaviria

Company Owner at Dr. Gaviria LLC. Pediatrician, Health Coach, Healthcare and Wellness Consultant, Principal Investigator, Concierge Pediatrics, Immigration Medical Exams, Collaborating physician, Pediatric Obesity.
Report contribution
There's still a need for telemedicine services, specially in pediatrics. It allows faster and easier access to medical care, which nowadays takes more time to get due to lack of pediatric subspecialties or rural communities with issues accesing a medical facility.

Like

5 Social media

Social media are digital tools that enable patients to connect with other patients, providers, or organizations through online networks, communities, or groups. Social media can help patients share their experiences, stories, or opinions, as well as seek or offer support, advice, or resources. They can also increase awareness, advocacy, or participation in health-related issues, causes, or events. Social media can be accessed through websites or apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

Digital tools can offer many benefits for patient education and engagement, but they also pose some challenges, such as privacy, security, quality, accessibility, or usability. Therefore, healthcare managers need to carefully select, implement, and evaluate the digital tools they use, and ensure that they complement and not replace the human touch and the patient-provider relationship.

Add your perspective

María Alejandra Tapia

Billingual CMA at Atlantic Health System
Report contribution
I completely agree ; in my experience we educate our practice patients how they can implement digital tools to improve their health.

Like

How do you use digital tools to enhance patient education and engagement?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Online platforms

2 Interactive media

3 Wearable devices

4 Telehealth services

5 Social media

Healthcare Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Healthcare Management

More relevant reading

How do you use digital tools to enhance patient education and engagement?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Online platforms

2 Interactive media

3 Wearable devices

4 Telehealth services

5 Social media

Healthcare Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills