Providers can use HIPAA compliant texts to increase patient self-efficacy, helping patients more effectively participate in their care, engage with healthcare providers, and adhere to treatment plans.
What is self-efficacy?
The American Psychological Association states “Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in [their] capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. Self-efficacy reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment.” Where self-efficacy has been “applied to behaviors as diverse as:
· Self-management of chronic illnesses
· Smoking cessation
· Alcohol use
· Eating
· Pain control
· Exercise”
Self-efficacy in chronic illnesses and text messaging
Research on text messaging for facilitating self‐management of long‐term illnesses shows that “Long‐term illnesses affect a significant proportion of the population in developed and developing countries. [Text messaging] may present convenient, cost‐effective ways of supporting self‐management and improving patients' self‐efficacy skills.”
Providers can use HIPAA compliant text messaging for medication reminders, therapy adjustments, and supportive messages delivered to encourage patients to take control of their health.
A specific example can be found in a study on texting messaging intervention to improve self-efficacy in people with heart failure: “Self-efficacy and health beliefs are important modifiable factors influencing adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure. Text messaging is a low-cost and scalable solution for delivering behavior change intervention and improving patient outcomes.”
In this example, providers used texts to help patients manage their conditions and achieve better health outcomes, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status.
HIPAA compliance
Given the sensitive nature of protected health information (PHI), providers must use a secure text messaging platform, like Paubox, to send confidential medical details, treatment plans, and other sensitive information. This helps healthcare organizations maintain patient confidentiality and avoid costly fines for non-compliance.
Go deeper: What are the penalties for HIPAA violations?
Improving patient self-efficacy through HIPAA compliant text
Convenience and accessibility: HIPAA compliant text messaging is a convenient and accessible way for providers to communicate with patients. Unlike phone calls, which may be missed or inconvenient, text messages can be read and responded to at the patient's convenience. This accessibility encourages patients to actively engage in their healthcare, leading to improved efficacy in managing their conditions.
Timely reminders and alerts: HIPAA compliant text messaging enables healthcare providers to send timely reminders and alerts to patients. Providers can send medication reminders, upcoming appointments, or preventive care messages to help patients stay informed and adhere to their treatment plans. The reminders can help patients through with prescribed actions, leading to better health outcomes.
Enhanced patient engagement: Text messaging is a familiar and comfortable communication channel for many patients, which could lead to increased engagement with healthcare providers. Patients can then ask questions, provide updates on their health status, and actively participate in shared decision-making processes. For example, if a patient reports that their blood sugar levels are elevated, the healthcare provider can text adjustments to their medication or give lifestyle recommendations.
Remote monitoring: Patients can communicate with their healthcare providers, report symptoms, and receive guidance remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits for routine matters. For example, if a patient notices a sudden increase in blood pressure readings or experiences dizziness or headaches, they can immediately text their healthcare provider. The provider can then review the patient's reported symptoms and blood pressure readings in real-time. If the readings indicate potential concerns or if the patient's symptoms raise red flags, the provider can quickly respond by adjusting medication dosages, recommending lifestyle modifications, or scheduling a consultation for further assessment.
FAQs
Is text messaging a secure way to communicate in healthcare?
Yes, HIPAA compliant text messaging platforms, like Paubox, allow providers to send encrypted texts, ensuring the security and privacy of protected health information (PHI).
How can text messaging support patients in setting and achieving health-related goals?
Text messaging can provide patients with ongoing support, encouragement, and reminders to set and achieve health-related goals, thereby increasing their self-efficacy in adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes.
Can healthcare providers personalize text messages to individual patient needs?
Yes, healthcare providers can personalize text messages by tailoring content to address specific patient conditions, treatment plans, preferences, and health goals.
Go deeper: Personalization in text message-based interventions across different demographics
