Posted By Denton Dickerson On September 8, 2023
6 Strategies to Boost Patient Engagement
In today’s digital age, healthcare providers face a unique challenge – finding a way to maintain a high level of patient engagement. While Electronic Health Records (EHRs) offer numerous benefits, they can sometimes divert clinicians’ attention away from their patients. In this blog, we unveil six groundbreaking tips to help healthcare professionals boost patient engagement. These game-changing strategies are designed to optimize EHR usage while ensuring that the patient-provider relationship remains strong. We will explore the six essential tips derived from the POISED model to help healthcare professionals effectively navigate the EHR landscape while prioritizing patient interaction.
Prepare: Review Patient Health Records Prior to the Exam
Before entering the examination room, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the patient’s health records like their medical history, interpreter needs and any notes you may have on them. This preparation allows you to make eye contact with the patient, creating a sense of attentiveness and demonstrating that their well-being is your primary focus. By engaging with the patient before turning to the computer, you can set the stage for a collaborative and empathetic encounter.
Orient: Educate Patients on the Benefits of EHR Use
When dealing with elderly patients who may be less familiar with new technology, it is crucial to provide a brief orientation on the importance of using the computer for charting. Explain how electronic charting enhances accuracy, facilitates easier information retrieval, and allows for shared decision-making. By addressing any potential concerns or confusion, you can mitigate patient anxiety and establish a foundation of trust.
Information Gathering: Enter Data During the Exam
To ensure that patients feel heard and understood, it is recommended to enter data into the EHR system in real-time, during the appointment. This approach not only streamlines the process but also demonstrates your active engagement in addressing their concerns comprehensively. By capturing information directly, you can avoid the need to rely on memory or transcribe notes at a later time, minimizing the risk of missing vital details.
Share: Enable Patients to Review their Notes
Transparency is key to fostering a patient-provider partnership. During the charting process, consider turning the computer screen towards the patient, allowing them to review what is being documented in their records. This simple action instills confidence in patients, validating their experience, and confirming that their information is being accurately recorded. By actively involving patients in the documentation process, you empower them to actively participate in their own healthcare. Choose an EHR with a patient portal to give your patients access to their own information like demographics, insurance information, medications, allergies, and current diagnoses.
Educate: Utilize EHR Tools to Facilitate Conversations
Electronic health records offer a wealth of information that can be leveraged to educate patients about their healthcare journey. Utilize visual aids and graphic representations available in the EHR software to illustrate the patient’s progress over time, such as fluctuations in weight, blood pressure readings, or lab results. This visual feedback not only enriches the patient-provider discussion but also encourages patients to take an active role in managing their health. Giving patients an active role in managing their health is a great way to boost patient engagement.
Debrief: Enhance Treatment Discussions with Patient Records
When discussing treatment plans, make use of the information within the patient’s records to provide personalized recommendations. Reference the data captured in the EHR system to support your explanations and ensure clarity regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and potential outcomes. This dedicated debriefing time allows you to address any lingering questions or concerns, ultimately enhancing patient comprehension and engagement in their own care.
Implementing EHR systems presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to patient engagement. By incorporating the POISED model into your practice, you can establish a patient-centered approach to electronic charting. Prepare, orient, gather information, share, educate, and debrief, ensuring that patients feel heard, involved, and informed at every step. By implementing the POISED model, healthcare providers can transform their practice and boost patient engagement in the process. Embrace the power of technology while nurturing authentic connections with your patients. In doing so, you’ll pave the way for enhanced care, improved outcomes, and a stronger doctor-patient alliance.
About Patagonia Health, Inc.
Patagonia Health’s integrated EHR, Practice Management, and Billing solutions are designed to improve departmental workflows using apps and cloud-based technology. Our company was founded with a focus on providing technology solutions with highly referenceable customer service. We collaborate with public and behavioral health organizations to develop advanced features, empowering them to improve the well-being of their communities. Our federally-certified software enables our customers to achieve their desired health outcomes. We serve those who serve others. If you’d like more information about our solutions, contact us today.