Healthcare providers must integrate HIPAA compliant email into patient communication to promote respect, engagement, listening, collaboration, and self-awareness. Incorporating these elements helps providers build authentic relationships that improve patient outcomes.
Techniques for building trust in patient communication
A recent study on building authentic connections in the patient-physician relationship states, "Identifying techniques for rapport building is important for promoting patient-physician collaboration and improved patient outcomes."
The study then identified five themes that allow physicians to establish strong connections with their patients:
- Respect for the patient
- Engaged curiosity
- Focused listening
- Mutual participation
- Self-awareness
These themes, underpinned by authenticity, reflect a state of alignment between a physician’s internal values and external communication.
The study adds, “Adopting these communication techniques while allowing for adaptability to remain authentic in one’s interactions with patients may facilitate improved connection and trust with patients.”
Improving email communication
The widespread use of email makes it a great tool for integrating these communication techniques into patient interactions. However, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare providers must maintain patient privacy and security in these emails.
To meet these requirements, providers must use HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox. These platforms offer advanced security measures, including encryption, to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI) during transmission and storage.
Extensive research also shows that HIPAA compliant emails promote engaging interactions that build trust and improve health outcomes.
Incorporating communication techniques
Respect for the patient
When providers use HIPAA compliant emails, they show respect for patient privacy and security. More specifically, it helps providers affirm the value they place on safeguarding sensitive data, fostering trust in the relationship.
HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, allow providers to send patients personalized follow-up messages, showing that they value the patient as an individual and take their confidentiality seriously.
Engaged curiosity
HIPAA compliant email provides a safe platform for open dialogue, allowing physicians to ask patient-specific questions that reflect a genuine interest in the patient’s experiences.
Like, when a physician uses HIPAA compliant email to ask a patient how they’re responding to a new treatment, encouraging them to share insights without fear of data breaches.
Focused listening
Healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to address patient concerns point by point, incorporating compassionate responses to show that they listened and understand the patient’s concerns.
Mutual participation
HIPAA compliant email facilitates collaboration via secure, two-way communication. Patients and physicians can exchange information, like sharing test results and explaining treatment options to promote a healthy partnership.
Self-awareness
Before sending a HIPAA compliant email, healthcare providers should check that the message reflects genuine care and consideration for the patient’s needs.
Providers can also use HIPAA compliant email templates to reduce the likelihood of misinterpretations that lead to incorrect treatments or delays.
Related: Clarify medical jargon with HIPAA compliant email
FAQs
How does HIPAA protect patient information?
HIPAA sets the guidelines for protecting patient information through encryption, access controls, and secure communication methods, like HIPAA compliant emails.
How does encryption help HIPAA compliance?
Encryption converts email content into a secure format that can only be accessed by authorized recipients, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring HIPAA compliance.
Do HIPAA compliant emails improve patient care?
Yes, HIPAA compliant emails improve the accuracy, security, and reliability of patient communication so providers deliver better and safer patient care.
