Healthcare is changing, and technology is the driving force behind it.

The spotlight might fall on medical breakthroughs and care outcomes more often than not, but an uptick in patient engagement is also conspicuous if you look a little closer.

In fact, the part played by tech in keeping the people who rely on healthcare services fully engaged is a multifaceted one. With that in mind, here’s a roundup of the main talking points, and why getting to grips with them is worth your time.

3 Examples Of How Technology Enhance Healthcare Engagement

1. Anticipating patient needs with AI-powered predictive analytics

Data from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that the rollout of AI in a range of healthcare contexts will deliver savings of up to $110 billion in the course of the coming half-decade. From a patient engagement perspective, the predictive analytics made possible by AI have a few key perk including:

• Early detection: Algorithms analyze medical histories, identifying risks of chronic diseases early.
• Personalized care plans: Machine learning tailors treatments based on individual data, optimizing outcomes.
• Resource allocation: Hospitals predict patient influxes and resource demands, improving efficiency and care quality. Resource allocation: Hospitals predict patient influxes and resource demands, allowing specialists such as travel CT techs to be recruited and deployed efficiently, thus improving efficiency and care quality.

A great case study of this comes courtesy of the UK’s NHS, which was faced with a 1.3% rise in emergency room admissions. With the aid of AI experts at Faculty, a demand forecasting tool fuelled by AI was developed. As a result, predicting spikes in demand 3 weeks ahead of time became a possibility.

Of course it’s worth noting that integrating these systems into existing workflows without overwhelming clinicians remains tricky. However, the potential benefits make it worth the effort. Combined with other patient engagement strategies, AI’s impact will be measurably positive.

2. Enhancing remote healthcare access with telemedicine platforms

A newly published study found that there was a 75% rise in telemedicine appointments between 2020 and 2021. This correlates with the fact that 72% of hospitals now offer remote appointment opportunities to patients, underpinned by telemedicine tech. Deploying Queue management software for healthcare can reduce wait times and improve patient flow during peak periods.

This state of affairs ensures an uptick in engagement, as well as some other benefits including:

• Access to specialists: Patients in rural locations consult with top specialists without having to travel. Meanwhile providers can free up in-house resources by using virtual medical assistants to step in and serve patients.
• Reduced costs: Cuts out expensive journeys and reduces missed workdays for patients.
• Convenient monitoring: Follow-up visits happen virtually, ensuring ongoing care even from afar.

Once again it’s worth looking overseas to see the true benefits of telehealth tech in action. A virtual hospital scheme operated in Australia by the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital resulted in 86% of patients reporting that the experience had been positive, while 9 in 10 said the technology was simple to get to grips with.

Looking forward, expanding internet infrastructure is key. Reliable broadband in all regions will be crucial for telehealth’s success. In terms of challenges, training both providers and patients on the use of these technologies can’t be overlooked if the engagement advantages are to be unlocked. Patients seeking dietary guidance can search for a nutritionist near me to receive personalized training on how to effectively use telehealth platforms for remote nutrition consultations.

3. Personalizing treatment plans with genomic data integration

Personalized treatment plans using clinical genomics data integration are setting a new standard in healthcare. And when patients know that the recommendations they’re receiving are bespoke, engagement levels increase. This technology creates the possibility for:

• Targeted therapies: Treatments designed based on genetic makeup ensure higher effectiveness and fewer side effects.
• Disease prevention: Identifying genetic predispositions allows proactive measures against potential health issues.
• Patient engagement: Informed patients participate more actively in their own care, leading to better adherence and outcomes.

Consider how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital uses a cloud-powered genomic data solution to tailor cancer treatments specifically for each child. This approach not only improves survival rates but also minimizes the fallout of less targeted treatment programs.

The main caveat to all this is that patient privacy must be a priority while handling sensitive genetic information. However, the personalized approach promises significant advancements in treatment efficacy and overall patient satisfaction. And with the help of cyber security companies, healthcare providers can vault over this obstacle.

Conclusion

Predictive analytics, telemedicine and genomic data integration are examples of how technology is catalyzing healthcare engagement at the moment. In addition to benefiting patients, they provide practitioners with the tools they need to function efficiently from moment to moment. 

Thus the importance of tech in other sectors is reflected here, and lessons regarding adoption and implementation are there for all to learn.