A century ago a simple infection could spell doom, hospital stays were considered a last resort, and house-calls were common. Even though overall mortality was far higher, a wistful nostalgia exists for that earlier time when medicine was not always perceived as a business transaction. Learning how to improve patient engagement humanizes health-care, while also strengthening the bottom line.
Political battles over health-care are common, but have little relationship to the way patients feel about their doctors. Very few individuals actually look forward to seeing the physician. Those who feel they are regarded as little more than a symptom or statistic have very little motivation to take more responsibility for their own personal health regimen.
In spite of logic, education or intelligence, visiting the doctor is an exercise in stress for many people. Although an appointment may start in a timely fashion, doctors have only a few minutes to diagnose and recommend treatment. This truncates most communications, causing many patients to turn to the Internet for information on symptoms and remedies, a practice many doctors openly discourage.
Although that somewhat paternal approach to information might once have been effective, the digital age has sparked changes. Electronic record-keeping experienced a slow start, but most medical centers today sponsor secure websites allowing people access to their own personal records. Having that information available at any time increases patient involvement and empowerment.
Patients investing in this relationship soon find a healthier lifestyle begins to make good sense. The results are fewer appointments, less demand for prescription medication, and lower rates of preventable hospitalization. For many, the most important outcome is a stronger, more open relationship between doctor and patient, modeled after a partnership rather than a confrontation.
People today who are included in this information loop can easily communicate with physicians electronically, and are routinely asked to evaluate their own doctor via on-line surveys. Rather than being a shrouded mystery, all treatment options are thoroughly discussed. When given a choice, people often select a less expensive method of treatment in combination with beneficial alterations in health habits.
They key to increasing patient participation in good health is a genuine respect for those seeking care, in combination with the knowledge that good medical practice is more than medication or surgery. Involvement of both patient and family members at all levels not only helps improve the bottom line, but also benefits long-term outcomes, increasing overall satisfaction on both sides.
Political battles over health-care are common, but have little relationship to the way patients feel about their doctors. Very few individuals actually look forward to seeing the physician. Those who feel they are regarded as little more than a symptom or statistic have very little motivation to take more responsibility for their own personal health regimen.
In spite of logic, education or intelligence, visiting the doctor is an exercise in stress for many people. Although an appointment may start in a timely fashion, doctors have only a few minutes to diagnose and recommend treatment. This truncates most communications, causing many patients to turn to the Internet for information on symptoms and remedies, a practice many doctors openly discourage.
Although that somewhat paternal approach to information might once have been effective, the digital age has sparked changes. Electronic record-keeping experienced a slow start, but most medical centers today sponsor secure websites allowing people access to their own personal records. Having that information available at any time increases patient involvement and empowerment.
Patients investing in this relationship soon find a healthier lifestyle begins to make good sense. The results are fewer appointments, less demand for prescription medication, and lower rates of preventable hospitalization. For many, the most important outcome is a stronger, more open relationship between doctor and patient, modeled after a partnership rather than a confrontation.
People today who are included in this information loop can easily communicate with physicians electronically, and are routinely asked to evaluate their own doctor via on-line surveys. Rather than being a shrouded mystery, all treatment options are thoroughly discussed. When given a choice, people often select a less expensive method of treatment in combination with beneficial alterations in health habits.
They key to increasing patient participation in good health is a genuine respect for those seeking care, in combination with the knowledge that good medical practice is more than medication or surgery. Involvement of both patient and family members at all levels not only helps improve the bottom line, but also benefits long-term outcomes, increasing overall satisfaction on both sides.
About the Author:
Edward J. Stark is a marketing expert that specializes in healthcare focused marketing. If you are interested in learning more about advertising healthcare he suggests that you check out Beaconfey.