Harnessing Technology to Improve Healthcare Provider-Patient Communication

Your TSP business may hold the key to better patient experiences and outcomes.

Communication can make or break any relationship, but effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is especially critical. Fortunately, technology can help remove barriers and enable smooth patient communication and data transfer.

Demand for solutions like remote patient monitoring and telehealth services is growing, along with increased smartphone penetration and internet availability. Government initiatives further support developing and adopting digital communications tools for the healthcare segment. One example, created for Europe by the WHO, called “United Action for Better Health,” has set “Empowerment through Digital Health” as one of its four main initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic showed healthcare providers the urgent need for tech solutions that keep the lines of communication open and provide alternative ways to care for patients when face-to-face physician appointments aren’t possible.

The recognition of the need for technology that enables provider-patient communication is one of the reasons the digital health market in Europe is expected to grow from USD 45.3 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16 percent from 2023 to 2030 to top USD 140 billion.

Patient Communication via “Tech Talk”

Here’s a closer look at how various technological solutions provide patients with access to information and improve communication between patients and providers.

• Patient portals are popular tools that allow patients easy access to their medical records and test results. They can also provide appointment information and scheduling, enable patients to send a message to their provider and keep medication documented – along with instructions for taking it. Portals can also provide easy links to solutions to facilitate secure, direct patient-provider communication, like text messages and email, facilitating two-way interactions between providers and patients, even in real-time, when needed.
• Virtual appointments using video conferencing technology and telehealth services can remove barriers to care, like a lack of transportation or patients in geographic regions that don’t have specialists. If telehealth is an option, patients may be more compliant and engaged with their care, leading to better outcomes.
• Personalized communications, such as targeted patient education, appointment reminders, and refill reminders, can also increase patient compliance. These can be automated for efficiency, and this type of service can also reduce expenses compared to providing in-person service.
• Chatbots can help healthcare providers manage the number of calls they must address. Chatbots can handle basic requests, such as collecting information to refill a prescription or confirm an appointment, decreasing the number of calls the staff must take. This allows the care team to focus on more complex issues and reduces patient wait times.
• Remote patient monitoring and mHealth enable continuous data sharing. Remote monitoring is facilitated with various technologies, for example, wearable blood sugar monitors. These devices enhance chronic illness support and tracking. They provide up-to-the-minute data to healthcare staff.

mHealth is any healthcare application supported by mobile or wireless devices, including mobile phones, monitoring devices, and personal digital assistants. Everything from epidemic tracking to chronic disease management to patient and provider education becomes more convenient using mobile solutions, and mHealth solutions with SMS alarm systems are improving the rate of positive patient outcomes.

With both providers and patients sold on its value, the European mHealth market reached 33.6 percent in 2022, its highest value to date.

Disrupt Healthcare in Your Market

Communication and data-sharing solutions linking patients more closely with their healthcare providers increase patient engagement, enhance patient experiences, and streamline processes for healthcare providers. The innovative solutions you provide could set a new standard for healthcare IT and lead to many more improved health outcomes and higher quality of life.

How will you meet the need for enhanced healthcare provider-patient communication?