A century ago a simple infection could spell doom, hospital stays were considered a last resort, and house-calls were common. Even though overall mortality was far higher, a wistful nostalgia exists for that earlier time when medicine was not always perceived as a business transaction. Learning how to improve patient engagement humanizes health-care, while also strengthening the bottom line.
There are ongoing political battles surrounding health care, but most have little to do with actual human perceptions of modern medicine. Although few people really look forward to a doctor visit, those who feel that they are viewed as a faceless condition or nameless statistic have less incentive and motivation to take greater responsibility for their own personal health issues.
In spite of logic, education or intelligence, visiting the doctor is an exercise in stress for many people. Although an appointment may start in a timely fashion, doctors have only a few minutes to diagnose and recommend treatment. This truncates most communications, causing many patients to turn to the Internet for information on symptoms and remedies, a practice many doctors openly discourage.
While a paternalistic approach may have been acceptable in the past, the digital age has only increased demands for medical information. Many hospitals and physicians were slow at first to adopt electronic records-keeping, but have now created online portals where people can access personal medical histories, medications and treatments. Having that knowledge helps create a sense of empowerment and involvement.
Patients investing in this relationship soon find a healthier lifestyle begins to make good sense. The results are fewer appointments, less demand for prescription medication, and lower rates of preventable hospitalization. For many, the most important outcome is a stronger, more open relationship between doctor and patient, modeled after a partnership rather than a confrontation.
Doctors no longer find patients as distant when e-mail communications are encouraged. In turn, patients evaluate their appointments via an on-line survey request. Treatment possibilities may be more fully explained in detail, rather than being cloaked in medical mystery. When treatment options are presented, people consistently choose the less expensive form together with necessary lifestyle alterations.
They key to increasing patient participation in good health is a genuine respect for those seeking care, in combination with the knowledge that good medical practice is more than medication or surgery. Involvement of both patient and family members at all levels not only helps improve the bottom line, but also benefits long-term outcomes, increasing overall satisfaction on both sides.
There are ongoing political battles surrounding health care, but most have little to do with actual human perceptions of modern medicine. Although few people really look forward to a doctor visit, those who feel that they are viewed as a faceless condition or nameless statistic have less incentive and motivation to take greater responsibility for their own personal health issues.
In spite of logic, education or intelligence, visiting the doctor is an exercise in stress for many people. Although an appointment may start in a timely fashion, doctors have only a few minutes to diagnose and recommend treatment. This truncates most communications, causing many patients to turn to the Internet for information on symptoms and remedies, a practice many doctors openly discourage.
While a paternalistic approach may have been acceptable in the past, the digital age has only increased demands for medical information. Many hospitals and physicians were slow at first to adopt electronic records-keeping, but have now created online portals where people can access personal medical histories, medications and treatments. Having that knowledge helps create a sense of empowerment and involvement.
Patients investing in this relationship soon find a healthier lifestyle begins to make good sense. The results are fewer appointments, less demand for prescription medication, and lower rates of preventable hospitalization. For many, the most important outcome is a stronger, more open relationship between doctor and patient, modeled after a partnership rather than a confrontation.
Doctors no longer find patients as distant when e-mail communications are encouraged. In turn, patients evaluate their appointments via an on-line survey request. Treatment possibilities may be more fully explained in detail, rather than being cloaked in medical mystery. When treatment options are presented, people consistently choose the less expensive form together with necessary lifestyle alterations.
They key to increasing patient participation in good health is a genuine respect for those seeking care, in combination with the knowledge that good medical practice is more than medication or surgery. Involvement of both patient and family members at all levels not only helps improve the bottom line, but also benefits long-term outcomes, increasing overall satisfaction on both sides.
About the Author:
Edward J. Stark is a marketing expert that specializes in healthcare focused marketing. If you are interested in learning more about healthcare marketing strategy he suggests that you check out Beaconfey.
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