Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with some of the most pronounced health inequalities among major non-communicable diseases.
Furthermore, respiratory health inequalities are deeply rooted in racial ancestry, socioeconomic status, and environmental disparities, leading to unequal outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
According to a study on self-management in the context of personalized care in COPD, "many disadvantaged groups experience further barriers to healthcare, impeding their access to prevention services, early detection, and disease clinical management." These barriers will often render underprivileged populations helpless, delaying interventions and resulting in poor disease outcomes and quality of life.
Unpacking the barriers in COPD care
COPD disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations of society because of a combination of environmental exposures, like air pollution and smoking, with poor access to health resources.
Additionally, preventative measures, early diagnosis, and effective management are often out of reach for those facing socioeconomic challenges or living in underserved areas.
For example, individuals in rural regions or low-income urban communities may struggle to access primary care facilities. Language barriers and cultural differences can also complicate communication between providers and patients.
Without timely interventions, COPD can worsen, leading to frequent hospitalizations and higher mortality rates.
The study further explains how these barriers worsen the existing health inequities since these patients usually seek care only when severe symptoms have developed, making effective management more difficult and costly.
How HIPAA compliant email addresses barriers to care
Healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant email to overcome barriers in COPD care. Unlike other communication methods, which might be insecure or inaccessible, HIPAA compliant email solutions allow providers to deliver personalized health information directly to the patient’s inbox.
Furthermore, these email solutions facilitate this exchange while protecting the patient's data during transmission and storage. Paubox email, for example, uses advanced security measures, like encryption and multifactor authentication, to prevent interception and mitigate the risk of data breaches.
Ways providers can use HIPAA compliant emails
Sending educational materials
Providers can securely send guides on symptom management, breathing exercise videos, and dietary recommendations to patients with COPD.
Remote care coordination
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to follow up on patients who cannot make an in-person visit, adjust their medication, and give them treatment advice.
Provide culturally sensitive support
Paubox email allows providers to share specific resources with the patient in their language. These emails should acknowledge cultural sensitivity while still giving patients decision-making options regarding their health.
Prevention and early detection
Providers can use email to send reminders to less privileged populations about upcoming free screenings at local clinics. Moreover, promoting early detection can help slow the disease process, reduce future high-cost interventions, and improve the quality of life.
Building patient trust and engagement
HIPAA compliant email helps providers keep their patients’ trust, encouraging patients to participate in their care with symptom reporting and regular health discussions.
Furthermore, providers can use HIPAA compliant email to send personalized content, attending to the patient’s needs and specific circumstances. These patient-centered communications consider the patient's biological, psychological, and social factors, leading to active patient involvement and better health outcomes.
Read also: Improving medication adherence with HIPAA compliant texts
FAQs
What types of information are protected under HIPAA?
HIPAA protects individually identifiable health information, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical records.
Can providers use standard email to share patient information?
No, providers must use a HIPAA compliant emailing platform, like Paubox, when sharing patient information. These platforms provide security features like encryption and two-factor authentication, preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
What should providers do if patients are reluctant to share personal information via email?
Providers must respect patient privacy and obtain patient authorization before sending emails. If patients do not prefer email, providers can suggest HIPAA compliant texting.
