These advances in digital health solutions are the answer to a better patient experience

With cancer rates rising in young adults^[i], an increase in chronic conditions^[ii] across age groups, and a growing need for behavioral health resources,^[iii] patient health journeys are becoming increasingly complex. Developing digital health solutions that enable patients to conveniently engage with their care teams is crucial to tackling these complex patient journeys and facilitating better health. 
 

Enhancing the patient journey

Patients are not only wanting more opportunities for digital and virtual health engagement but also higher quality experiences. In fact, 28% of patients say that they have changed providers due to poor digital experiences, and 65% indicate that they would be very likely to recommend their provider after a great digital experience.^[iv] 

Patients now expect the same ease and flexibility in their healthcare experiences as they do in other areas of their lives, like retail. 82% of patients believe healthcare should be easily accessible from their mobile devices. Another 77% wish they could communicate with their physicians via text, and 69% of patients express a desire for virtual physician visits.^[v]

Patient experience technologies give patients greater choice and convenience. They also help providers and care teams better manage administrative workflows, in addition to supporting improved doctor-patient relationships by allowing for meaningful engagement during visits. However, unless these solutions offer convenience and accessibility, especially as chronic conditions rise, negative patient experiences are more likely to occur. These negative experiences can sour a patient and care provider relationship, increase the risk of care delays in diagnosis and treatment, and affect a medical practice’s sustainability and growth with new and existing patients. With practices generally behind in implementing innovations that facilitate patient engagement, it’s easy to see why 44% of Americans^[vi] say they have skipped or delayed needed care.
 

Reducing patient burdens

Patients spend an average of eight hours a month managing healthcare^[vii] for themselves and their loved ones. There is significant need for solutions that equip patients to schedule appointments, communicate with clinical staff, provide relevant documents, access virtual visits, and verify insurance without the need for online portals.

These digital technologies can break down barriers to patient access by eliminating the need to download applications or recall numerous passwords. This is an important factor in reducing the time and burden of managing healthcare while providing patients with more control over their health. 

Easing burnout and supporting providers and staff

Without effective implementation of automized and streamlined digital patient care workflows, the challenges that practices face—like staff shortages, financial struggles, provider burnout, administrative burdens, and low patient trust—will only increase. 

Most physicians report that digital technologies help to improve patient care overall. They say that incorporating new digital technologies into clinical workflows has eased the administrative burden on clinicians, allowing higher quality interactions with patients.^[viii]  For example, when staff can avoid phone tag with patients, they can focus more on addressing patients’ actual care needs.

Practices, particularly those working with a small staff, can alleviate stress with a convenient self-scheduling solution. In addition to reducing front-desk call volume, making staff more efficient, and filling provider schedules, the right appointment scheduling platform will allow information to flow seamlessly into the EHR and practice management platform.

Providers that choose to prioritize patients’ digital experiences will be poised to capture a larger market share through increased patient satisfaction. Additionally, using technology strategically helps teams work better and faster, making it easier to grow the number of patients they serve.

The value of patient experience technology for everyone

The evolution of patient experience platforms to support end-to-end patient journeys is here—from access, to intake, visits, care coordination, and ongoing health management. Connecting each of those dots for patients within a closed loop patient experience is an achievable goal.

A lot can be gained for both providers and patients by increasing the focus on patient experience and satisfaction. It positively impacts a practice’s reputation and, in turn, its financial performance. By embracing digital transformation and implementing solutions that enhance the patient experience, providers can address key barriers to care delivery while satisfying and empowering patients.
 

NextGen Healthcare’s mission is to assist practices in achieving better healthcare outcomes for all with integrated EHR, practice management, and advanced solution platforms that improve the patient experience and streamline workflows. Solutions like these exist to enhance clinical and administrative efficiency, increase care volume, boost patient-provider relationships, and strengthen financial stability. If your goal is to propel your organization to achieve the best experiences for patients and clinical staff, visit nextgen.com to learn about the various implementable solutions that meaningfully connect clinical staff and patients throughout their care journey, leading to better healthcare.