Patient Engagement Boosted By Internet Tools

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Web-based platforms that offer information and allow communication between patients and providers boost engagement.

Patient engagement can be increased through online tools that allow patients to communicate with their providers and access medical information. In a recent study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, patients were given iPads equipped with patient-centered toolkits giving patients access to educational content specific to their conditions.

Fierce Mobile Healthcare reports researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) evaluated enrollment strategies, the use and usability of patient tools, and the content of patient-generated messages. Researchers found, “Doctors and nurses oversee the plan of care, but the patients’ goals, priorities, and preferences may not always be effectively conveyed to the clinical care team. Decision-making should be shared among patients, families and healthcare providers.”

“We found that this tool widened communication, helping patients and family members partner with healthcare providers to improve the quality and safety of their care,” said lead author Anuj Dalal, MD, and a hospitalist in BWH’s Division of General Medicine and Primary Care in a statement.

According to iHealth Beat, patients used the tool most to establish goals, identify care team members, and view test results and medication.

“Our findings indicate that even with critically-ill patients, technology can serve as a helpful mediator to get the provider, patient and/or caregiver on the same page, working towards a shared goal,” concluded researchers.

They suggest more investigation is needed to better understand how to effectively implement this tool within complex hospital settings. This further research would include trouble shooting technological issues, and making the PCTK more user-friendly and accessible for patients and caregivers.