Why patient engagement is important for the patient — and the organization

According to the NIH, patient engagement is defined as “the desire and capability to actively choose to participate in care in a way uniquely appropriate to the individual, in cooperation with a healthcare provider or institution, for the purposes of maximizing outcomes or improving experiences of care.”

Simply put, when patients actively participate in their healthcare and are engaged in managing their conditions, several positive outcomes can occur, contributing to a reduced risk of rehospitalization. But that’s not the only benefit of engaging patients.

In this blog, we explore why patient engagement is beneficial to both the patient and organization.

What is patient engagement?

When patient engagement is done well, patients have clarity and access to treatment plans, regular touchpoints, and access to caregivers to answer questions and address needs. It should focus on making sure patients and providers work together to improve the patient’s health.

Beyond helping patients to be active participants in their care, patient engagement is a key component of value-based healthcare. In fact, the NIH states that “over the past two decades, the use of patient experiences in assessing the quality of care from a patient perspective has received more attention, which shows that it is not only possible to involve patients in delivery or redesign of health care, but such engagement can lead to a reduction in the number of hospitalizations, improved effectiveness, efficiency, quality of health services, quality of life, and responsiveness.”

Here are six ways patient engagement plays a significant role in outcomes:

1. Medication adherence

Engaged patients are more likely to adhere to their prescribed medication regimens. Proper adherence can help manage chronic conditions and prevent complications, reducing the likelihood of rehospitalization.

2. Self-care management

Patient engagement encourages individuals to actively participate in their own care by adopting healthy lifestyle choices, managing symptoms, and following recommended self-care practices.

3. Communication with healthcare providers

Engaged patients are more likely to communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. This includes reporting changes in symptoms, addressing concerns promptly, and seeking timely medical advice, which can help prevent potential health crises.

4. Care coordination

Patients who are actively engaged in their care often have better awareness and understanding of their treatment plans.

5. Education and health literacy

Patient engagement involves providing patients with the information and tools they need to understand their conditions, treatment plans, and the importance of follow-up care. Improved health literacy can empower patients to make informed decisions and take proactive steps.

6. Preventive measures

Engaged patients are more likely to embrace preventive measures such as vaccinations, regular check-ups, and screenings. These proactive steps can detect potential issues early on and prevent the worsening of conditions.

How can you drive patient engagement?

More engaged patients can make your agency more efficient, profitable and effective. This is because patients who are more involved are more likely to keep appointments, keep track of their lab results and be more involved in the care plan. With the right patient engagement platform, clinicians and patients have the tools they need to stay connected and keep care at their fingertips.