The world truly underwent an overhaul with COVID-19. The shift from physical to digital fastened and so did the rate at which businesses embraced it. Healthcare practitioners and organizations now look at digital systems as a compulsory aspect to stay competitive and improve patient loyalty. Patient engagement in times like this has become a necessity. In 2022, patients prefer seamless interactions over complex communications in any healthcare setting. But the question that we seek an answer to is why patient engagement in healthcare is important. Like any other customer or consumer, patients have the right to access frictionless care and relevant communication. 

In this article, we will cover why patient engagement needs to be an integral part of your business strategy in 2022. 

Importance of patient engagement in healthcare 

Every consumer is accustomed to groceries in 10 mins, pizza in less than 30 minutes, and more across every industry. Consumers or customers are used to a high level of convenience and timely delivery. Smart healthcare practitioners also need to meet this change in customer expectations. There is increased focus on letting the patient ‘know’ more to ‘engage’ more.  

Patient engagement in healthcare begins much before the patient steps into the clinic or hospital. It begins when the patient looks at the clinic’s name on a listing or reads a review. Due to this, it is important to engage with patients in a digital format. Here are 8 reasons why patient engagement in healthcare is necessary for 2022. 

Challenges to Patient Engagement in Healthcare

There are certain challenges to patient engagement. These barriers block patient engagement processes. The main challenges for healthcare providers or physicians in the process of promoting patient engagement include- 

Lack of modern technology 

It is important to invest in technology to keep patients engaged. You need to align a communication platform or solution that helps in this regard. 

Not allocating dedicated time

Patient engagement must receive dedicated time. You need to be able to allocate some time to patients before, during, and after their treatment. This will create a stronger bond. 

Improper training 

Training health care executives is essential. If they are not trained to access online platforms or special tools, they will not be able to use them to their full potential. 

Not taking patient feedback 

Patient engagement can be improved if we take patient feedback seriously. One challenge for patients is not feeling heard or listened to. If the patient is feeling difficult to involve in their own healthcare process, you need to bridge the gap. 

8 Reasons why patient engagement in healthcare is important

#1: Improved Patient engagement = Better Outcomes 

One of the main reasons why patient engagement in healthcare is important is that Improved patient engagement leads to a better patient experience. When the patients can handle their appointments, queries, and scheduling in a simple manner- they are satisfied with the overall experience. A positive patient engagement leads to better outcomes. Patients who are engaged know when to book the next appointment, and how they can do it easily without worry or hassle. So when the patient is happy with the process, you can expect increased ROI, trust in the clinic, and most importantly, increased patient loyalty.   

#2: Enhanced patient satisfaction 

In a study, it was found that patients are satisfied if they are engaged. This is related to positive outcomes of success in heart attack patients. The study explicitly demonstrates as to why patient engagement is important and how patient care satisfaction results in their health outcomes. In another study by The Beryl Institute, over 2000 patients from the United States, Australia, Canada, Philippines, and the UK, the relationship between patient satisfaction and positive outcomes was reinforced. Improving patient engagement in healthcare increases patient satisfaction since they know they will be communicated of all changes, reinforcements, appointment schedules, and more. 

#3: Better patient retention 

Put yourself in the shoes of a patient. Suppose you go to a dentist for treating a root canal issue and the treatment works well. However, post a few days, you face a sharp pain in the same area. You seek an appointment as soon as you can. If the clinic you went to before has a problem scheduling your appointment due to a lack of smart practices, you would simply choose another dental clinic. 

Compare this to if you could book an appointment with a simple text and indicate the sense of emergency, wouldn’t that help your situation and enable you to stick to the same provider? This is where patient engagement tools like Emitrr allow for increased patient retention. As a healthcare professional, your priority should be to enhance the quality of care for your patients, which is why patient engagement is important for you. Your patients know they can easily know any information they want and book an appointment.