Email interventions provide strategies and resources to patients to make positive lifestyle changes and mitigate chronic stress.
The burden of chronic stress in the US
Yale Medicine defines chronic stress as: “A consistent sense of feeling pressured and overwhelmed over a long period of time.” The issue is particularly significant in the United States, where “Americans are one of the most stressed out in the world. The current stress level experienced by Americans is 20 percentage points higher than the global average," according to the American Institute of Stress.
Americans frequently experience high levels of stress, but when that stress is not well managed, there are major health consequences. The American Psychological Association states that “four in ten Americans say they overeat or eat unhealthy foods to manage stress, while one-third skipped a meal in the last month because of stress. Those who drink (39%) or smoke cigarettes (19%) were also more likely to engage in these unhealthy behaviors during periods of high stress.”
Healthcare providers can help individuals make healthier choices by emailing them educational materials and stress-relief techniques. HIPAA compliant emails can help patients adopt healthier behaviors and manage stress more effectively.
Providing patient education
The Journal of Medical Internet Research shows that email interventions “can be effective and have the potential to reduce stress-related mental health problems on a large scale.” Providers can send patients educational materials on potential triggers, coping mechanisms, and preventive measures.
Patients can access the information at their convenience and refer back to it as needed. Furthermore, email interventions can help bridge the gap between appointments and provide continuous support for patients in managing their mental health.
Elements to include in chronic stress management education
Personalized content
HIPAA compliant emails can be personalized to meet specific patient needs. Providers can segment their patient population based on demographics or treatment plans, allowing targeted content delivery.
Providers can use patient demographics like age or occupation to create personalized stress management tips that resonate with specific challenges. For example, younger patients may benefit from stress-relief techniques for managing academic or career-related pressures. Alternatively, older individuals may need strategies focused on coping with age-related stressors like chronic illness or caregiving responsibilities.
Timely delivery
Email enables providers to deliver educational materials promptly. Providers can send post-appointment instructions, medication guidelines, or disease management tips when patients need them most. Patients can receive comprehensive instructions directly in their email inbox within hours of their visit rather than waiting days for a printed document to arrive via traditional mail or struggling to reach the provider's office by phone.
Providers can also use email to deliver educational materials on stress-reducing lifestyle modifications. For example, patients with chronic health conditions exacerbated by stress, like hypertension, would benefit from educational materials on exercise and nutrition that could improve their quality of life.
Multimedia resources
Providers can include elements, like videos, infographics, and interactive presentations, to enhance the effectiveness of educational materials. Visual and interactive content can simplify complex concepts and reinforce key messages.
Secure communication
Providers must ensure HIPAA compliance by using an encrypted email platform, like Paubox, to safeguard the patient’s protected health information (PHI). Additionally, providers should also train their staff on email security protocols. Regularly updating software and conducting security audits also helps maintain HIPAA compliance.
FAQs
How often should patients receive emails with stress management tips?
The frequency of emails may vary depending on the patient’s preferences. A useful Paubox tip is to determine any relevant information you could share via email every couple of weeks—this way your messages will become easily accessible, and you’ll remain top-of-mind for your patients without becoming repetitive or spammy.
Can patients provide feedback or ask questions about the stress management resources they receive via email?
Yes, providers can include mechanisms for providing feedback and asking questions. Patients can share their concerns or request additional support.
Can email interventions help patients connect with mental health professionals or support groups for further assistance?
Yes, providers can include information about accessing mental health services. This will help connect patients with additional support networks to address their chronic stress.
