Patient engagement is a process where patients are actively involved in their own health care. It is a two-way process that includes communication and collaboration between patients and their health care providers. This is a relatively new concept in health care, but it is gaining popularity as studies have shown that engaged patients have better health outcomes. Here are 00 benefits of patient engagement for you to consider.
1. Improved Health Outcomes
Patient engagement has been shown to improve health outcomes and is one of the key healthcare engagement solutions as it helps patients take an active role in their own health care. When patients are engaged in their health care, they are more likely to follow treatment plans and take their medications as prescribed. They are also likely to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage their chronic conditions effectively. This is because patients who are engaged in their health care are more likely to have a better understanding of their condition and what they need to do to manage it effectively.
2. Better Communication
Patient engagement also leads to better communication between patients and their care providers. When patients are more engaged in their own care, they tend to ask more questions and be more involved in decisions about their treatment. This can help to ensure that patients understand their conditions and the options available to them, which can lead to better decisions about their care. You might see this as a positive impact on provider-patient communication.
3. Increased Satisfaction
Patient engagement has also been shown to increase patient satisfaction as it helps patients feel more in control of their own health care. By being actively involved in their own care, patients can feel like they are more a part of the decision-making process and that their opinions are valued. Furthermore, they tend to have better relationships with their health care providers since they are more involved in communication and collaboration. All of these factors can lead to increased satisfaction with the health care experience.
4. Reduced Costs
Patient engagement can also lead to reduced costs for both patients and health care providers as it can help to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for unnecessary tests or procedures. In one study, it was found that patients who were actively engaged in their care had a lower chance of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Additionally, patient engagement can help to reduce the overall cost of care as patients are more likely to follow their treatment plan and take their medications as prescribed when they are actively involved in their own care.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know some of the advantages of patient engagement, consider how you can incorporate this into your own health care. If you’re a provider, think about how you can encourage your patients to be more engaged in their care. If you’re a patient, ask your doctor or health care provider how you can be more involved in your own care. By working together, we can all benefit from the advantages of patient engagement.