Digital Communications in Patient Adherence

Digital communication has had a profound effect on patient adherence, changing the way healthcare providers interact with their patients and improving the overall quality of care.

Patient adherence refers to the extent to which patients follow the prescribed treatments and recommendations given by their healthcare providers. In the past, healthcare providers relied on face-to-face communication and telephone calls to ensure that their patients were following their treatments. However, with the rise of digital communication, healthcare providers now have a range of new tools at their disposal to monitor and improve patient adherence.

In order for patients to ultimately achieve better outcomes its paramount that they adhere to their medications and care plans. Unfortunately that's not always the case. Often times people forget, weren't listening or did not understand their medical information or their physician's orders. Digital communications has the opportunity to help change that in Healthcare.

One of the most significant effects of digital communication on patient adherence is increased convenience and accessibility. Patients can now communicate with their healthcare providers via a variety of digital channels, including email, text messaging, and video conferencing. This means that they can receive the care and support they need at any time and from any place, without having to travel to a clinic or hospital.

Another important benefit of digital communication is improved patient engagement. By using tools like text messaging and mobile apps, healthcare providers can send reminders and educational materials directly to their patients' smartphones. This can help patients stay on track with their treatments and make healthier choices, even when they are not in the same room as their healthcare providers.

Digital communication has also made it easier for healthcare providers to track patient adherence. With the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital tools, healthcare providers can monitor patients' progress in real-time and make adjustments to their treatments as needed. This can help to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care and that any problems are identified and addressed quickly.

At the end of the day, being a patients also means being a human. Human nature has a significant impact on adherence, as patients’ understanding, attitudes, and behaviors can play a critical role in whether or not they follow their prescribed treatment plan. The psychological and social factors that influence human behavior can be complex and diverse, but understanding these factors can be essential for improving adherence. People are social animals, and they are often influenced by the opinions and attitudes of their friends, family, and healthcare providers.

At Playback Health we are working to improve the adherence curve by allowing clinicians to record their instructions using audio, video and screen recording. Patients receive a notification through SMS or email notifying them of the new information. This novel approach offers the ability for people to listen over and over again so they might understand, remember and adhere to the doctor's orders. Additionally we take into account the need to include friends and family in the care journey. We allow others to securely share their information with their entire care circle.

We believe that digital communication has had and will continue to have a significant impact on patient adherence, offering new opportunities for healthcare providers to engage with their patients and improve the quality of care. While there are some challenges to overcome, the benefits of digital communication in healthcare are undeniable and will likely play an increasingly important role in the future of patient care. We are excited to be a part of the change.