The COVID-19 outbreak has patients everywhere stuck at home and unable to visit with their physicians. Below are 5 ways providers can maintain/increase patient engagement during the coronavirus pandemic.
During this time of self-isolation and quarantine, providers need to try new methods of keeping patients engaged in their medical care, without putting them or anyone at their practice at risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus.
Increase Patient Engagement Through the Patient Portal
1) Keep Patients Updated & Informed
The patient portal has been the number one tool for increasing patient engagement in recent years. This tool is perfect for helping providers and patients connect during a time where it feels impossible to stay connected to those around you. Providers should utilize patient portals to increase patient engagement and update them on what is going on with their practice or any appointments they may have had scheduled.
Providers can take this opportunity to educate patients on the best way to prevent the spread of disease, how their practice is responding to the pandemic, and what patients need to be aware of during this time.
2) Connect with Patients Stuck at Home
In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, many individuals are stuck inside their houses. Isolating oneself like this can be extremely burdensome on some individuals and providers should make their best effort to connect.
A patient portal can be the best place for providers and patients to keep the lines of communication open, positively impact patient engagement, and help patients navigate their health during an uncertain and confusing time.
Implement Telehealth
3) Video Visits with Patients
Providers everywhere are turning to telehealth to increase patient engagement during the coronavirus pandemic. Video visit technology makes it possible for patients and providers to interact and complete a visit while minimizing the risk of spreading or coming into contact with the virus.
With the right software, providers can access a patient’s chart, prescribe medication, and more during a telehealth visit, just as they would during an in-person visit. From the comfort of their own homes, patients can still address the different areas of their health without putting themselves at risk. This one way to keep the patient-provider relationship intact during these uncertain times.
4) Pre-screen Patients
Instead of automatically coming into the office if they are sick, telehealth gives providers the opportunity to pre-screen patients who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and instruct them accordingly.
This ability to pre-screen helps maintain high levels of patient engagement while keeping patients at minimal risk of spreading the disease to others around them.
Utilize CCM Services
5) Check in on Patients
Those battling chronic diseases are some of the most vulnerable during this time as many have compromised immune systems. The utilization of Chronic Care Management ( CCM) services helps your practice increase patient engagement among these individuals without stretching your team too thin.
Your CCM services vendor will work with you to check-in on high-risk patients like this so that your practice can continue to focus on other patient critical roles.