Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to promote awareness around women’s health issues, giving them access to better healthcare and potentially improving health outcomes.
Gaps in women's healthcare
According to an article in Independent Health News on sexist stereotypes in healthcare, women “are more likely to be misdiagnosed with mental health problems due to misogynistic stereotypes that women are ‘emotional’ even when clinical results show their pain is real and they are consistently allocated less time than male patients by hospital staff due to men’s complaints being seeing as more authoritative and important.”
These results show that women often don't receive the medical care they need and are not taken as seriously as men in healthcare settings.
How providers can help address inequities in women’s healthcare
Healthcare providers must address the biases described above and provide equitable treatment for all patients, regardless of gender. More specifically, providers can alleviate some of these disparities using HIPAA compliant communication platforms. A solution like Paubox allows providers to communicate while safeguarding women’s protected health information (PHI).
Providers can securely send treatment plans, reminders, and personalized follow-ups, giving patients the resources necessary for informed healthcare decision-making.
Using HIPAA compliant emails
Improving awareness around women’s health issues
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to increase awareness of women’s health issues. These emails can include regular newsletters on pain management, mental health, and reproductive health.
Additionally, providers can include patient success stories that describe common challenges women experience in the healthcare system, helping other patients become more aware and understanding.
Increasing access to services
HIPAA compliant emails can promote access to women’s health services like breast cancer screening or prenatal care without compromising patient privacy.
Women with chronic conditions can also receive information on the proper use of medicines and pain management, promoting better health outcomes.
Advocacy and education in women's health
Providers can use secure emails to encourage participation in women’s health advocacy groups and clinical studies.
These letters can also include secure links on how to join the groups or sign up for the studies, making it easier for women to get involved and stay informed.
Promoting collaboration
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to collaborate across different healthcare settings. For example, if a patient has comorbidities, their primary care provider can securely email the patient’s OB-GYN.
Ultimately, the secure exchange of information helps providers work together more effectively, improving patient outcomes and quality of care.
Inclusive and empathetic communication
According to Eve Atri, Editorial Director of UpToDate® Member Engagement Solutions (formerly Emmi), providers must “Strive for gender-neutral language,” since some patients might not identify with traditional genders.
So, providers can send HIPAA compliant emails addressing "people experiencing menopause," rather than referring only to "women." Using these terms can help destigmatize the topic and encourage more patients to get the health services they need.
Furthermore, Allison Combs, Head of Product-Payer at Wolters Kluwer Clinical Effectiveness suggests "engaging the female members where we are, as equals, and putting it in context so that it is relevant and more likely to be acted upon."
HIPAA compliant emails allow providers to share context-specific information while protecting the privacy and security of the messages. So, providers can personalize emails with resources like women's health specialists, community support groups, or wellness programs.
Read also: Using email and text messaging in health advocacy
FAQs
Can providers use standard email for sharing 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.
Can healthcare providers share success stories without patient consent?
No, healthcare providers must obtain written consent from patients before sharing any protected health information (PHI), including success stories.
How does HIPAA compliance empower patients?
HIPAA compliance empowers patients by safeguarding their privacy and enabling secure communication with healthcare providers. HIPAA compliant communication gives patients more trust and confidence in their relationships with healthcare providers.
Go deeper: Empowering patients with HIPAA compliant emails and texts
