Little more than one hundred years ago doctors routinely visited patients at home. Hospitals were for the terminally ill, and the simplest infection posed a threat. Even with far higher mortality rates, an aura of nostalgia exists for a time when medicine was not yet big business. Today, learning how to improve patient engagement in the healing process restores that human element, while reducing costs.
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.
Seeing a doctor is unsettling for many people, regardless of education or intelligence. Even when the appointment is on time, the physician commonly has a maximum of twenty minutes to properly evaluate and treat a condition, greatly inhibiting communications. Many people comb the Internet for information about related symptoms and remedies long before a visit, but those efforts are sometimes dismissed.
Although that somewhat paternal approach to information might once have been effective, the digital age has sparked changes. Electronic record-keeping experienced a slow start, but most medical centers today sponsor secure websites allowing people access to their own personal records. Having that information available at any time increases patient involvement and empowerment.
When patients feel they are part of the process, making positive changes in personal health approaches makes better sense. Better personal practices automatically mean fewer prescriptions, appointments, and hospitalizations for preventable disease. Most importantly for many, the uncomfortable relationship between health-care professionals and patients often becomes a partnership.
Those who choose to participate can communicate electronically with doctors via e-mail, and expect a response. Many are asked to rate their physician periodically via an on-line survey. All treatment choices are presented, and there is less mystery surrounding the options. In many cases, patients will choose the less expensive treatment when combined with necessary alterations in detrimental health practices.
When patients feel that they are genuinely respected, barriers begin dropping and trust increases, proving that good medicine is more than surgery or prescriptions. The direct involvement of patients as well as close family members has immediate benefits. The bottom line begins to improve, long-term expectations for better health become sustainable, and satisfaction rates increase dramatically.
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.
Seeing a doctor is unsettling for many people, regardless of education or intelligence. Even when the appointment is on time, the physician commonly has a maximum of twenty minutes to properly evaluate and treat a condition, greatly inhibiting communications. Many people comb the Internet for information about related symptoms and remedies long before a visit, but those efforts are sometimes dismissed.
Although that somewhat paternal approach to information might once have been effective, the digital age has sparked changes. Electronic record-keeping experienced a slow start, but most medical centers today sponsor secure websites allowing people access to their own personal records. Having that information available at any time increases patient involvement and empowerment.
When patients feel they are part of the process, making positive changes in personal health approaches makes better sense. Better personal practices automatically mean fewer prescriptions, appointments, and hospitalizations for preventable disease. Most importantly for many, the uncomfortable relationship between health-care professionals and patients often becomes a partnership.
Those who choose to participate can communicate electronically with doctors via e-mail, and expect a response. Many are asked to rate their physician periodically via an on-line survey. All treatment choices are presented, and there is less mystery surrounding the options. In many cases, patients will choose the less expensive treatment when combined with necessary alterations in detrimental health practices.
When patients feel that they are genuinely respected, barriers begin dropping and trust increases, proving that good medicine is more than surgery or prescriptions. The direct involvement of patients as well as close family members has immediate benefits. The bottom line begins to improve, long-term expectations for better health become sustainable, and satisfaction rates increase dramatically.
About the Author:
Edward J. Stark is a marketing expert that specializes in healthcare focused marketing. If you are interested in learning more about advertising healthcare he suggests that you check out Beaconfey.
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