On-the-go technology
Mobile technology has emerged as a critical tool for improving care quality and communication. To engage patients effectively, care teams require role-based and group messaging capabilities, ensuring timely and accurate information exchange among team members and seamless communication with patients during ToC to address patient concerns and coordinate care. This may include pre- and post-surgery outreach to deter potentially severe issues in the critical hours and days leading up to and after surgery. Care teams can also communicate with a patient's family in real-time for procedure updates and notes for at-home care. For follow-up appointments, mobile technology helps improve no-show rates through automated patient-appointment reminders and reduces the staff burden by collecting intake before their visit.

Reducing readmission rates through health literacy and empowerment

Poor ToC management and a lack of follow-up care after a patient is discharged from the hospital significantly increases their chance of readmission to the hospital, typically within 30 days of the initial admission. This can be due to a lack of medication adherence and disruptions to their care plan, which can worsen the patient's current medical condition. As a solution, patients must actively participate in their care plan to be engaged, well-informed, and confident in managing their health.

Patient engagement tools are pivotal in enhancing health literacy by offering accessible and understandable health information to engage patients in preventive behaviors and seek early interventions when needed. Health literacy, self-assessment tools, and post-discharge follow-up enhance a patient’s ability to recognize warning signs and seek timely care, prevent readmissions, and reduce overall healthcare spending. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare will save about $521 million directly from cutting down on patient readmissions, an endeavor promoted by the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP).

By equipping patients with personalized health information, treatment options, and educational resources, they can make informed choices that align with their preferences and values. This heightened sense of involvement increases patient satisfaction and confidence in their healthcare journey.

A transformative force in the future of patient care
Modern patient engagement solutions have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to enhance the patient experience by harnessing technology and data-driven insights. Through streamlined communication, personalized interactions, and behavior-targeting strategies, healthcare providers have witnessed substantial improvements in patient reach rates, response rates, and the efficacy of tailored interventions. As we continue to navigate an era where patient-centered care and digital innovation converge, the potential of these solutions to foster deeper connections between patients and healthcare professionals is undeniable. By embracing these advancements, healthcare stakeholders can cultivate an environment of mutual trust and collaboration, ultimately leading to healthier populations and more effective healthcare outcomes.

About the author: Will O’Connor, M.D. is TigerConnect’s chief medical information officer. He’s an industry-known physician executive with more than 20 years of healthcare experience focused on operations, strategic planning, consulting, client delivery, and thought leadership across the healthcare industry. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. O’Connor has significant provider experience as well as deep commercial experience, having worked for multiple companies, including McKesson, Allscripts/Eclipsys, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He specializes in assisting large health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and payers leverage healthcare information technology and operational improvements to advance their clinical and financial outcomes.


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