On the Starting Line of Digital Health

The digital health revolution is changing the way hospitals and physicians provide patient care, share and track information, and run their operations. Innovations such as genomic medicine, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things will continue to reshape the healthcare industry in the coming years. But even with all of the tools and data available today, we’re still only at the starting line of digital health.

Healthcare providers are increasingly harnessing the power of digital. They’re using data from business intelligence tools to identity inefficiencies and increase quality of care. Smart devices and wearable tech are being used to monitor patients’ health and transmit information to providers. Telemedicine and electronic health record (EHR) systems with patient portals are making it easier than ever before for patients and providers to share information. Even simple advances such as text message appointment reminders are improving the patient experience.

And patients want more. A 2014 study on health IT by the National Partnership for Women & Families found that a majority of patients want the ability to email their providers and review treatment plans, doctors’ notes and test results online. Scheduling appointments and submitting medication refill requests are also high on their wish list.

But not all patients are taking advantage of access to new tools. For example, a 2015 report by Accenture found that 66 of the 100 largest U.S. hospitals are providing patients with access to mobile apps. However, just 2% of patients from those hospitals are engaging with those apps.

Digital health tools can provide a wealth of information and offer immense opportunities for hospitals and physicians to improve patient care and reduce costs. However, without full adoption by patients, these systems are not as valuable as they could be.

Providers can encourage adoption by offering digital tools with the features and functionality that patients want, with a seamless user experience that aligns with patients’ ever-growing expectations. Other ways to encourage engagement include using gamification, providing non-intrusive wearable devices, and better educating patients about how to use available tools.

So how are you using technology to create a better patient experience at your organization? What new digital health tools will you be adding in the coming months? And how will you encourage patients to use the tools you provide?