Providers must use HIPAA compliant emails to securely communicate health information with patients, breaking down medical jargon into simple terms that improve their understanding.
Effective patient communication
Several studies show that patient-centered communication improves patient outcomes. Effective communication between healthcare professionals and their patients forms the backbone of diagnosis, treatment, and health management.
Medical jargon, however, can potentially confuse and mislead the patient, impacting their ability to make informed decisions.
In a Wolters Kluwer expert insight on improving health literacy, Dr. Amber Olsen, senior content management analyst states, “Consumer-friendly terminology is critical for healthcare providers and health plans to enable consumers to comprehend the language that their providers use and to take charge of their health.”
Dr. Olsen adds, “Descriptions should enable non-clinical individuals to easily understand healthcare information being relayed by their providers and clinicians. They could be used in the information patients or their family or other caregivers could receive on an after-visit summary, patient instructions, explanation of benefits, or on their bill from a health organization or insurance provider.”
Ultimately, simplifying medical terminology improves patient understanding of their condition and treatment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
How using HIPAA compliant emails can help
Simplify medical information
HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, offer a secure channel for providers to communicate information in easily understandable terms.
Let’s say a patient is diagnosed with a heart-related disorder like arrhythmia. Their provider can use a HIPAA compliant email with the explanation in layman's terms, stating, "Your heart isn't beating in a regular rhythm, which can cause it to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly."
Clarify medication instructions
With HIPAA compliant emails, providers can send short medication reminders that are easy to follow. For instance, instead of using terms like "subcutaneous injection," a provider could remind a patient with type I diabetes, "Every morning before breakfast, inject your insulin under your skin in your stomach area."
Describe procedures and treatments
HIPAA compliant email can also help providers explain medical procedures and treatments.
For example, if a patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy, the provider can send an email explaining the procedure in simpler terms. Instead of stating, "The procedure involves an endoscopic colonic mucosal biopsy," the email could say, "The doctor will insert a camera through your body and inspect your colon for possible abnormalities."
Incorporate visual aids
Providers can also include visual aids, like charts or diagrams, that will help patients' understanding. If a patient needs guidance on taking care of a surgical wound, their provider can securely send an infographic to help them follow the instructions.
Encourage two-way communication
HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, facilitate two-way communication between healthcare providers and patients. Providers can send educational materials, while patients can reply with questions. So, patients can inquire about treatment options, and the provider can follow up with further explanations.
Moreover, these emails keep patients informed and engaged, empowering them to take better control of their health.
Go deeper: Patient engagement strategies
FAQs
What is HIPAA compliance?
HIPAA compliance refers to adhering to regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI).
What types of information can HIPAA compliant emails include?
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to send sensitive health information, like patient education materials, appointment reminders, treatment plans, and other medical communications.
Can healthcare organizations customize emails for specific language needs?
Yes, healthcare organizations can customize HIPAA compliant emails to support specific language needs by sending educational materials in multiple languages to cater to diverse patient populations.
Read more: Using HIPAA compliant emails for multi-language patient education
