Assess Telehealth and Patient Self-Management Readiness

The crucial role of patient engagement in population health management

Analyst Perspective

The rise in use of telehealth, smartphones, internet access, and patient portals has provided valuable tools for empowering patient engagement and improving value-based health outcomes.

Population health management aims to improve population health outcomes by addressing various factors that affect health, including medical care, social determinants, and individual behaviors.

A pivotal component of population health management is patient engagement and self-management. Patient engagement in value-based healthcare is crucial for improved health outcomes, lower costs, and a better patient experience. It involves a patient's active participation in their own healthcare from prevention to treatment and recovery.

This research shows how patient engagement has become increasingly significant with the rise in use of telehealth, smartphones, internet access, and patient portals, transforming the way healthcare is delivered and accessed. Use our patient self-management assessment tool to build your capabilities.

Neal Rosenblatt
Principal Research Director
Public Health Industry
Info-Tech Research Group

Executive Summary

Your Challenge

Patient engagement is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes, but it comes with several challenges:

• Recruitment and representation
• Communication barriers
• Resource constraints
• Lack of clear guidelines
• Sustaining engagement
• Provider/patient power dynamics

As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for healthcare systems, providers, and policymakers to work collaboratively to enhance access, education, and support for all patients.

Common Obstacles

the benefits, several obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of patient engagement and self-management practices.

Digital literacy and access to technology remain significant barriers, particularly for older adults and underserved populations.

Privacy and security concerns about online health data also pose challenges, as patients may be wary of sharing sensitive information.

Additionally, healthcare providers need to ensure that digital tools are integrated seamlessly into care workflows, requiring adequate training and infrastructure.

Info-Tech's Approach

Addressing digital literacy and building trust in digital health are crucial steps toward ensuring that the benefits of digital innovation are equitably distributed.

Implement Info-Tech's digital health access methodology, which includes five pillars of digital health access and addresses the gaps in digital and telehealth equity through strategy.

Info-Tech's Telehealth Readiness & Patient Self-Management Assessment Tool provides guidance to help ensure that digital health technologies are accessible, understandable, and used and can pave the way for a more inclusive digital health ecosystem within the communities that your organization serves.

Info-Tech Insight

Patient engagement and self-management are critical to the success of population health management strategies. The rise of telehealth, smartphones, internet access, and patient portals has provided valuable tools for empowering patients and improving health outcomes.

Patient engagement is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes...

…but it comes with several challenges

1. Recruitment and Representation
Ensuring that the patients involved in engagement activities are representative of the broader patient population can be difficult. This is essential to ensure that diverse perspectives are included.

2. Communication Barriers
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital. Differences in language, health literacy, and cultural backgrounds can create barriers.

3. Resource Constraints
Engaging patients requires time, effort, and resources. Healthcare providers may struggle to allocate sufficient resources to support meaningful patient engagement.

4. Lack of Clear Guidelines
There is often a lack of standardized guidelines and best practices for patient engagement, making it difficult to implement effective strategies.

5. Sustaining Engagement
Keeping patients consistently engaged over time can be challenging. Patients may lose interest or face personal barriers that prevent ongoing participation.

6. Power Dynamics
Ensuring equitable power dynamics between patients and healthcare providers is crucial. Patients need to feel that their input is valued and that they have an equal say in decision-making processes.

Info-Tech Insight

Addressing these six challenges requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients themselves.
Source: BMC Health Services Research, 2024

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient engagement

Seven key ways technology contributes by making healthcare more accessible, personalized, and efficient.

By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can improve patient engagement, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced patient satisfaction.

1. Patient Portals
These online platforms allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and communicate with their healthcare providers. This empowers patients to take an active role in managing their own health.

2. Mobile Health Apps (mHealth)
Apps designed for health monitoring can track various health metrics such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and physical activity. They provide real-time feedback and reminders, helping patients adhere to their treatment plans.

3. Telemedicine
Virtual consultations enable patients to connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

4. Wearable Devices
Devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches monitor vital signs and physical activity. They can alert users to potential health issues and provide data that healthcare providers can use to tailor treatments.

5. Educational Resources
Online platforms and apps offer educational materials tailored to individual patient needs. This helps patients understand their conditions and treatments better, leading to more informed decision-making.

6. Patient Relationship Management (PRM) Systems
These systems, like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, help healthcare providers manage patient interactions and data. They ensure that patients receive timely follow-ups and personalized care.

7. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems
These systems can guide patients through phone menus to the appropriate department or provide automated reminders for appointments and medication.

Source: The Healthcare Guys, 2024; J2 Interactive, 2021; PSNet, 2017

EHR executives have a positive view of patient engagement with the use of patient portals

In a recent survey of electronic health record (EHR) executives, "28 percent of respondents reported strong and frequent engagement from patients on their patient portals. A further 44 percent said there had been good engagement, while only four percent indicated little to no interest from patients."

72%
A majority of EHR executives say patient engagement with patient portals is good or strong and frequent.

Source: "Patient engagement with patient portals," Statista, 2022

Telehealth has surged in popularity as it offers a safe and convenient way for patients to consult healthcare providers

Telehealth technology enables remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and access to specialist care, significantly improving access to healthcare services, especially for those in remote or underserved areas.

Smartphones and internet access facilitate these services, making it easier for patients to manage their health on the go.

According to a report by the American Medical Association, telehealth usage increased by over 200% during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its growing acceptance and potential to reshape healthcare delivery.

Source: Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 2022

Smartphones and internet access are crucial in enhancing healthcare access and patient engagement

Six key roles that smartphones and internet access play in patient engagement.

1. Access to Health Information
Smartphones and internet access allow patients to easily access a wealth of health information, including medical records, educational resources, and health monitoring tools. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

2. Telemedicine
With internet access, patients can use their smartphones for virtual consultations with healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with mobility issues, as it reduces the need for in-person visits.

3. Health Monitoring Apps
Smartphones can host various health apps that track vital signs, medication adherence, and lifestyle habits. These apps provide real-time feedback and reminders, helping patients manage chronic conditions more effectively.

4. Patient Portals
Many healthcare providers offer patient portals accessible via smartphones. These portals allow patients to view test results, schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and communicate with their healthcare team, enhancing engagement and convenience.

5. Support Networks
Online forums and social media platforms accessible via smartphones provide patients with support networks where they can share experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support from others with similar health conditions.

6. Educational Resources
The internet provides access to a vast array of educational materials, including videos, articles, and interactive tools that help patients understand their conditions and treatments better.

Download Info-Tech's Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations

Info-Tech Insight

By leveraging smartphones and internet access, healthcare systems can improve patient engagement, leading to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

Source: HealthIT.gov, 2021; JAMA Network Open, 2021; JAMA Health Forum, 2023