Patient Engagement: Strategies for Better Outcomes
by Tania Chevalier, CMPE
In primary care, the concept of patient engagement has emerged as a key driver of improved patient outcomes. Imagine a scenario where every patient not only leaves the clinic with a treatment plan but also with a clear understanding of their role in their health journey.
How might this reshape care outcomes? Let's explore.
Understanding Patient Engagement
Patient engagement is more than just compliance with treatment plans; it's about actively involving patients in their own care. It's a collaborative approach that positions patients as integral members of their healthcare team. Research shows that patients who actively engage in their healthcare tend to have better outcomes and potentially lower costs.
According to a study published in Health Affairs, patients with the lowest activation scores, indicating less confidence and skill in managing their healthcare, incurred costs up to 21 percent higher than those with the highest activation levels.
Identifying Patient Responsibilities
To achieve meaningful patient engagement, it's essential to identify patient responsibilities within the context of their healthcare journey:
1. Self-Care and Management: Patients should take responsibility for their daily health activities, including adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle adjustments.
2. Communication and Feedback: Actively communicating with the care team about symptoms, treatment experiences, and concerns fosters a collaborative relationship. Ensure that your practice communication platforms and processes are designed to quickly and appropriately respond to a patient reaching out.
3. Education and Information Seeking: Patients should seek out information about their health conditions and treatment options to make informed decisions. Be sure to have these resources available for your patients to access when they are motivated to.
4. Participation in Decision-Making: Engaging in shared decision-making with providers empowers patients to express preferences and consider different treatment options.
5. Utilizing Health Technologies: Embracing digital tools such as patient portals, secure texting, and telehealth services facilitates communication and care management.
Recognizing Barriers to Engagement
Several barriers can hinder patient engagement, including technology limitations, financial concerns, health literacy issues, lack of trust, communication gaps, and cultural and social determinants. Addressing these barriers is crucial to fostering meaningful engagement.
Exploring Strategies for Enhancement
To enhance patient engagement, healthcare providers can implement the following strategies:
1. Set Clear Participation Expectations: Clearly define provider and patient responsibilities to establish expectations and empower patients in their care journey.
2. Improve Health Literacy: Provide understandable information about health conditions and treatment options through various formats - written, audio, video, and more.
3. Patient-Centered Communication: Adopt techniques such as active listening and empathy to build trust and rapport with patients.
4.Encourage Self-Management: Provide tools and support to empower patients in managing their health conditions.
5.Address Social Determinants of Health: Identify and address factors outside the clinical setting that impact health outcomes.
6. Facilitate Access to Care: Reduce barriers to accessing care through flexible scheduling and virtual visit options.
Transforming patient engagement from a buzzword into a foundational principle of care requires a collaborative effort among providers, patients, and the community. By prioritizing patient education, leveraging technology, and embracing a culture of empathy and open communication, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance patient engagement and drive positive health outcomes. Together, let's build a healthcare system where every patient is empowered to take an active role in their health journey.
