Based on the chart produced by the Healthcare Information and Management
Systems Society (HIMSS), I select the first step. In recent years, healthcare
institutions have increasingly embraced Information Technology (IT) to enhance
patient engagement and satisfaction. My healthcare facility has taken IT tools to
assess patient engagement and satisfaction very seriously, as a way to assess the
quality of care and outcomes.
Use of IT to Achieve Patient Engagement and Satisfaction
At my facility, IT technologies play a key role in promoting patient engagement. The
patient portal, which provides direct access to medical information, lab results, and
appointment schedules, is the main instrument for this purpose. Patients can now
actively monitor their health thanks to this element of open communication, which
improves patient happiness and engagement. Another important IT tool that makes
remote consultations and follow-up care possible is the telemedicine platform.
Because it removes the need for travel and lowers waiting periods, this is especially
helpful for patients who live in remote areas or have mobility issues (Bates et al.,
2020). Furthermore, patients can monitor vital signs, send reminders for medication
adherence, and interact with their care teams directly using mobile health apps that
are integrated with our system. Patients can interact with their healthcare
professionals more easily and feel more invested in the course of treatment thanks
to these technologies.
Impact on Clinicians and Users of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
The implementation of these IT tools not only enhances patient engagement but
also significantly affects clinicians and other users of the Electronic Medical Record
(EMR). Patient portals give practitioners instant access to up-to-date patient data,
which enhances decision-making and lowers the possibility of medical errors carried
on by inaccurate or out-of-date information (Bates et al., 2020). Additionally,
clinicians can remotely monitor patients' status through telemedicine and mobile
apps, enabling a more proactive and ongoing approach to therapy. Despite
increasing productivity, these tools also force practitioners to adjust to new
procedures and standards. Healthcare workers may initially experience a learning
curve when these technologies are integrated into current EMR systems, but as they
get used to the systems, the technology can improve the overall effectiveness of
care delivery. For example, having a patient's most recent medical records in the
electronic medical record (EMR) facilitates better coordination between various
healthcare providers, minimizing unnecessary testing or inappropriate therapies
(Kruse et al., 2021).
Improvement in Patient Care
The implementation of IT systems designed to engage and satisfy patients has a
direct, positive effect on patient care. When patients have access to their health
data and can engage in their treatment plan via mobile apps and portals, they are
more likely to adhere to prescribed care and medication regimens (Zhang et al.,
2023). Research has shown that patients who use digital tools to manage their
health experience better outcomes, such as improved control of chronic conditions
like diabetes and hypertension (Bates et al., 2020). Telemedicine further enhances
patient care by making healthcare more accessible and convenient, especially for
those with limited mobility or transportation options. Through remote consultations,
healthcare providers can continue monitoring patients without requiring them to
visit the clinic, leading to fewer missed appointments and more consistent care
(Kruse et al., 2021). Moreover, when patients feel empowered through these
technologies, they tend to have better interactions with healthcare providers,
leading to higher satisfaction rates. Empowered patients are more likely to be
proactive about their care, ask questions, and communicate concerns, which fosters
a more collaborative patient-provider relationship (Zhang et al., 2023). As a result,
the overall quality of care improves as patients become active participants in their
health management.
References:
Bates, D. W., Cohen, M., & Leape, L. L. (2020). Improving the safety and quality of
care in healthcare: The role of health IT. Journal of the American Medical Informatics
Association, 27(4), 604-612. [Link]
Kruse, C. S., Mileski, M., & Alaytsev, V. (2021). Telemedicine use in the United
States: A systematic review. Telemedicine and e-Health, 27(4), 481-489.
[Link]
Zhang, L., Zhang, R., & Wang, X. (2023). Mobile health technologies in patient care:
Benefits and challenges. Journal of Healthcare Management, 68(2), 127-138.
[Link]
