Farah Amod
Patient engagement demonstrates considerable potential in enhancing the effectiveness of cancer survivorship programs. This approach entails actively involving patients in their care journey, empowering them to make well-informed decisions, and nurturing a synergistic partnership between healthcare providers and patients.
According to a study on Patient Engagement in Cancer Survivorship Care through mHealth: A Consumer-centered Review of Existing Mobile Applications, “Mobile technology holds promise in promoting communication between cancer survivors and healthcare providers, patient engagement, and care coordination.”
One effective way to enhance patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs is through the use of HIPAA compliant solutions. HIPAA compliant email and text messages have been proven to be an effective way of increasing patient engagement. They encourage more frequent communication, allowing patients to play a more active part in their healthcare journey.
Benefits of patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs
In healthcare, patient engagement is impactful in closing care gaps, keeping patients informed about their treatment, and fostering trust between patients and caregivers. It also helps improve office productivity and patient satisfaction and loyalty, which reduces cost and improves the bottom line.
For example, appointment and medication refill reminders are conveniences that busy adults rely on to maintain their care routines. According to Medical Economics, “79% of patients are more likely to select a provider who allows them to conduct healthcare interactions online, on a mobile device, or at a self-service kiosk.”
Furthermore, according to a study on Testing the Impact of a Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit (CaS-PET) on Selected Health Outcomes, researchers implemented the CaS-PET method to augment survivorship care plans (SCPs) by integrating multiple support components. These included providing biweekly follow-up via patient portal e-messages and granting access to online resources.
The study attempted to evaluate the efficacy of the CaS-PET intervention for cancer survivors by examining various parameters such as health-related quality of life, symptom burden, fear of recurrence, and patient-provider communication. Initial findings at the three-month mark demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and reductions in physical symptom burden, suggesting promising outcomes associated with the CaS-PET approach.
Similarly, the use of HIPAA compliant solutions in cancer survivorship programs can offer several benefits:
- Patients can communicate with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for in-person visits for routine follow-ups or non-emergency concerns. This convenience encourages regular communication and fosters a sense of connectedness between patients and healthcare providers.
- Patients can access their health information, test results, and treatment plans electronically, enabling them to stay informed and actively participate in decision-making. This transparency enhances patient satisfaction and trust in their healthcare providers.
- HIPAA compliant solutions improve care coordination and continuity. Healthcare providers can securely share patient information with other members of the care team, ensuring that everyone involved in the patient's care has access to the necessary information. This promotes seamless collaboration and reduces the likelihood of miscommunication or duplication of efforts.
- Patients can confidently engage in their care, knowing that their data is securely managed and their privacy is safeguarded. This fosters a trusting and collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers.
Read also: Improve patient engagement with HIPAA compliant text messages
Overcoming challenges in utilizing HIPAA compliant email in patient engagement
While HIPAA compliant email offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that must be addressed.
One of the challenges is the need for user education and awareness. Patients and healthcare providers must be educated on the proper use of HIPAA compliant email, including the importance of secure login, password protection, and safe handling of attachments. It is necessary to provide user-friendly training materials and ongoing support to ensure compliance.
Another challenge is the potential for technical issues and system downtime. Healthcare organizations should have contingency plans to address technical glitches, ensure system availability, and provide alternative means of communication in emergencies.
Research shows that patients view secure messaging as a valuable way to interact with their providers when it is convenient for them and as a way to have a record of those conversations. However, HIPAA regulations require healthcare providers to safeguard protected health information (PHI) shared via text message and email to ensure patient privacy.
Many providers face the potential time burden of secure messaging due to a lack of existing workflows to support electronic communication in their practices. Paubox offers a seamless solution with HIPAA compliant email and text messaging, addressing the communication needs of healthcare providers while ensuring regulatory compliance.
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The future of patient engagement with HIPAA compliant email
As technology continues to advance, the future of patient engagement with HIPAA compliant email looks promising. With the increasing adoption of electronic health records and telehealth, the use of secure email communication is likely to become more prevalent.
Advancements in encryption technology and secure messaging platforms will further enhance the security and usability of HIPAA compliant email. Moreover, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can help automate tasks, improve communication efficiency, and personalize patient engagement.
While HIPAA solutions offer new avenues for engagement, there are also other methods of enhancing patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs:
- Remote patient monitoring (RPM): This involves using technology to collect and transmit patient data remotely, offering convenience and improved patient outcomes, cost reduction, and enhanced care delivery efficiency for healthcare organizations.
- Automated multi-Channel appointment reminders: Automating reminders through various channels like email, text, and phone calls reduces no-shows, improves patient retention, and streamlines processes for healthcare organizations.
- Healthcare consumerism: Patients are increasingly active in their healthcare decisions, driven by access to information, rising costs, and emphasis on patient experience. To engage healthcare consumers, organizations must prioritize transparency, personalized care, and clear pricing.
Read also: Successful patient engagement in 2023
How Paubox can help
Paubox transforms communication with its HIPAA compliant email solution. With no plugins or passwords required, Paubox ensures seamless transmission of sensitive information while maintaining stringent security standards, allowing cancer survivors and healthcare professionals to focus on delivering great care without compromising confidentiality.
Additionally, Paubox Texting introduces a new dimension to patient engagement, offering a HIPAA compliant texting API that facilitates personalized communication without needing recipients to download third-party applications or navigate passcode-protected portals. From personalized reminders to improved business outcomes, Paubox Texting API enhances modern patient engagement with its user-friendly interface and top-rated U.S. support, empowering practitioners to traverse the complexities of healthcare with ease.
Read also: Top HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
Does HIPAA apply to the use of email for patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs?
Yes, HIPAA regulations apply to the use of email for patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs, as they involve the transmission of protected health information (PHI).
Do I need patient consent to use email for patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs under HIPAA?
Yes, patient consent is required to use email for patient engagement in cancer survivorship programs under HIPAA. Patients must be informed about the risks and provide their consent before their PHI is transmitted via email for such programs.
What tools and methods can be used to securely communicate with patients via email while complying with HIPAA regulations in cancer survivorship programs?
HIPAA compliant email platforms and secure messaging services can be used to communicate with patients via email for cancer survivorship programs while complying with HIPAA regulations. These tools ensure the protection of PHI during transmission and storage.
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