2 min read
The link between patient engagement and health outcomes
Caitlin Anthoney December 25, 2024
Providers who use HIPAA compliant emails to engage patients in their treatment, promote medication adherence, and strengthen the patient-provider relationship are more likely to see improved health outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.
Transforming healthcare through patient engagement
According to a scoping review on the impact of patient engagement on healthcare quality, “[Patient engagement] can improve both treatment outcomes and consequently patient satisfaction and health, as well as the productivity of the service provider.”
The study also shows that engaged patients are more likely to:
- Follow treatment plans.
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle changes.
- Communicate openly with their healthcare providers.
Additionally, engaged patients contribute to reduced healthcare costs by minimizing unnecessary hospital visits and emergency admissions.
For providers, the result is better resource allocation, improved efficiency, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Communication and patient engagement
Patient engagement is at the heart of effective communication. Patients need accessible platforms to discuss their concerns, receive updates, and stay informed about their care.
Therefore, healthcare providers must improve their communication lines, in-person and digitally.
Using a HIPAA compliant email platform, like Paubox, is an accessible way for providers to maintain contact with patients and improve engagement. These platforms use advanced security measures, including encryption and access controls to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI) during transit and at rest.
These features also reduce the risk of potential data breaches, helping providers improve patient trust. When patients know their PHI is protected they are more likely to communicate openly with their providers.
How HIPAA compliant emails improve patient engagement
Convenience
HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, allow providers to deliver messages directly to patient inboxes. They automatically encrypt outgoing emails, reducing the risk of manual encryption errors.
Additionally, it keeps the patient’s details in one place so providers can securely send post-appointment notes with follow-up steps that patients can access at their convenience.
Real-time updates
Providers can use secure emails to send timely reminders for appointments, medications, or routine screenings, helping patients stay on track with their care plans.
For example, a pediatrician can email timely reminders for children’s vaccinations, helping parents stay on top of their child’s immunization schedule.
Personalized education
HIPAA compliant emails can include educational resources, like articles, videos, or infographics specific to the patient’s condition.
Providers can also use AI to analyze patient data to create personalized educational materials and attach them to HIPAA compliant emails so patients can make informed health decisions.
Go deeper: Personalized patient education, HIPAA, and AI
FAQs
What are HIPAA compliant emails?
HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, use encryption and other security measures to safeguard patients’ protected health information (PHI) from data breaches.
Do HIPAA compliant emails improve patient care?
Yes, HIPAA compliant emails improve the accuracy, security, and reliability of patient communication, helping providers deliver better and safer patient care.
Can AI be integrated into HIPAA compliant emails?
Yes, AI-powered features can be integrated with HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, to send personalized emails while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
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