Patient Engagement Strategies

With the shift away from a "fee-for-service" framework toward a more consumer-centric "value-based" healthcare delivery model, physicians have had to take a proactive approach to marketing their practice similar to the way retailers and consumer goods entities attract and retain clients. While designing effective marketing campaigns may not be the major focus for most healthcare providers, it should be a priority. In this new environment strengthening engagement strategies is imperative for financial stability.

A 2010 study revealed patient engagement strategies improve compliance among patients with chronic conditions, reduce the number of visits to primary care physicians annually and increase patient experience scores. All three measures directly, and indirectly impact the cost of health care. With no much emphasis on controlling costs and improving outcomes, it is clear that medical providers need to focus on developing engagement programs that encourage patients to be an active partner in their health and wellness journey.

Three Ways to Improve Patient Engagement

Patient engagement is a process that encourages healthcare consumers to become personally invested in their own health. There are myriad techniques to encourage that personal investment,

Physicians and clinicians can take the same approach. As part of a practice engagement strategy, encourage an organization-wide culture of consumer-oriented service. Create a strategy that enables staff members to suggest, implement and fund innovative change. Frontline registration personnel see first hand what works and what creates challenges for patients. Front office staff should feel their suggestions are valid and appreciated. Likewise, encourage patient feedback, and when appropriate, make changes to the way you deliver services based on comments