Little more than one hundred years ago doctors routinely visited patients at home. Hospitals were for the terminally ill, and the simplest infection posed a threat. Even with far higher mortality rates, an aura of nostalgia exists for a time when medicine was not yet big business. Today, learning how to improve patient engagement in the healing process restores that human element, while reducing costs.
Political battles surround many aspects of health care, but have no relationship to the way people really view the medical industry. Most will visit the doctor when absolutely necessary, but those who feel they are just another anonymous patient generally have little motivation or incentive to make important lifestyle changes, or to take greater responsibility for their own well-being.
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.
While a paternalistic approach may have been acceptable in the past, the digital age has only increased demands for medical information. Many hospitals and physicians were slow at first to adopt electronic records-keeping, but have now created online portals where people can access personal medical histories, medications and treatments. Having that knowledge helps create a sense of empowerment and involvement.
Instead of feeling left out of the process, better communications help patients feel more enthusiastic about making wiser daily personal health choices. Improved overall health means fewer costly hospitalizations, unnecessary appointments, and results in a decrease in prescribed medication. For many people, the most important benefit is an improved relationship with their physician.
Those who choose to participate can communicate electronically with doctors via e-mail, and expect a response. Many are asked to rate their physician periodically via an on-line survey. All treatment choices are presented, and there is less mystery surrounding the options. In many cases, patients will choose the less expensive treatment when combined with necessary alterations in detrimental health practices.
When patients feel that they are genuinely respected, barriers begin dropping and trust increases, proving that good medicine is more than surgery or prescriptions. The direct involvement of patients as well as close family members has immediate benefits. The bottom line begins to improve, long-term expectations for better health become sustainable, and satisfaction rates increase dramatically.
Political battles surround many aspects of health care, but have no relationship to the way people really view the medical industry. Most will visit the doctor when absolutely necessary, but those who feel they are just another anonymous patient generally have little motivation or incentive to make important lifestyle changes, or to take greater responsibility for their own well-being.
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.
While a paternalistic approach may have been acceptable in the past, the digital age has only increased demands for medical information. Many hospitals and physicians were slow at first to adopt electronic records-keeping, but have now created online portals where people can access personal medical histories, medications and treatments. Having that knowledge helps create a sense of empowerment and involvement.
Instead of feeling left out of the process, better communications help patients feel more enthusiastic about making wiser daily personal health choices. Improved overall health means fewer costly hospitalizations, unnecessary appointments, and results in a decrease in prescribed medication. For many people, the most important benefit is an improved relationship with their physician.
Those who choose to participate can communicate electronically with doctors via e-mail, and expect a response. Many are asked to rate their physician periodically via an on-line survey. All treatment choices are presented, and there is less mystery surrounding the options. In many cases, patients will choose the less expensive treatment when combined with necessary alterations in detrimental health practices.
When patients feel that they are genuinely respected, barriers begin dropping and trust increases, proving that good medicine is more than surgery or prescriptions. The direct involvement of patients as well as close family members has immediate benefits. The bottom line begins to improve, long-term expectations for better health become sustainable, and satisfaction rates increase dramatically.
About the Author:
Edward J. Stark is a marketing expert that specializes in healthcare focused marketing. If you are interested in learning more about healthcare marketing strategies he suggests that you check out Beaconfey.
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