Tech Toolbox 10 digital best practices for patient engagement

Keeping patients engaged has changed significantly just over the past 10 years. With advances in technology and forms of communication, the traditional practices of engagement are not as effective with patients now. According to Health Affairs, “disengaged patients are 3x as likely to have unmet medical needs and 2x as likely to delay medical care.” This increases the risk of poor health outcomes for disengaged patients compared to those who are engaged. Keeping current with different technological engagement practices can be difficult, but with small changes, the engagement rates can change drastically, which will lead to a healthier patient. Here are 10 tips for increasing engagement with your patients.

Use QR codes

From ordering food to connecting directly to a particular website, QR codes have become a staple of daily life. However, QR codes are not just for restaurant menus. They can also be used to expedite the form-filling process. Send patients to your website to fill out forms prior to their appointment. Another option is to send the patients to a direct landing page to make an appointment with your office.

Be social

It is no secret that social media is a main contact point for most people today. If you do not have social media accounts, create them now. If you do currently have social media accounts, make sure you are posting the most accurate and necessary information. Creating a social media schedule allows you to keep track of important dates and forms of communication that need to go out to your patients. Social media not only helps communicate vital information but gives your practice verification. Using social media platforms helps retain trust with patients by communicating transparent information.

In-product messaging is important

Reminders are beneficial to anyone— if your practice is on an app or uses a text messaging system. Providing an in-product messaging system for your patients can be extremely helpful. MGMA found that “57% of patients who missed an appointment said a text message or email reminder would have helped them attend it.” This type of system can prevent no shows or schedule changes, as well as let your patient know that the office knows they are coming in. In-product messaging systems are both a practical and considerate engagement practice.

Survey your patients

Learning about your patients before they come in can make them engage with you more and allow them to feel comfortable opening up once at the appointment. A pre-chat survey can be conducted on your website, app, or even via text message. Asking simple questions such as “How did you learn about our office?” and “What are you visiting our office for?” is beneficial for both patients and doctors.

Tune your web experience

Put yourself in your patients’ shoes. Go to your website and ask yourself: Is this user friendly? If your answer is “no,” there is a good chance that your patients have a hard time navigating your website as well. This can deter not only new patients but also existing patients who need a follow-up or have an initial health concern. Creating a seamless website to optimize the experience for patients will help create more appointments, more forms filled out, and more patients seen in a timely manner.

Consider a chatbot

By the end of the workday, many people are not able to call the doctors office to make an appointment, and some offices do not even allow voicemails to be left. This creates frustration with the patient and the office. Having a chatbot on your website can help alleviate that frustration. Chatbots will take necessary information requested from the patient and record it for a coordinator to follow up. It is fast and easy, and can be done virtually anywhere.

57% Respond to Reminder

Of patients who missed appointments, 57% say a text message or email reminder would have helped them make the appointment.