“The Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Engaging Patients”…and the Why

Hi all, my name is Howard Rosen (Founder & CEO of LifeWIRE Corp), co-author of the recently published white paper report entitled “Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Engaging Patients.” You can access a copy here through the Institute for Health Technology Transformation (scroll down to “Whitepapers”.)

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 88% of American adults with Internet access research health information online and 60% say Internet info influenced a decision about how to manage a health condition. Further, going online no longer is a one-way stream of information from computer to patient, but has launched into the web 2.0 reality of social networking. Patients go online to find meaningful engagements with other patients and now – not so uncommonly – with their providers. Such a trend provides opportunity for providers to distinguish themselves competitively, and more importantly, to improve the patient experience and quite pos­sibly their health outcomes.

The report is a compilation of what key health IT experts from across the United States think are the most important things you need to know about engaging patients in the digital age. There are also four key recommendations for practical action. It discusses how healthcare organizations that provide high quality outcomes for patients will be the ones who prosper under new health reform models, such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). This report also explores the concerns that come with patient engagement and the advantages and strategies that should be explored. Being involved in writing this report was a wonderful and illuminating experience. Fundamental to it all was working with such brilliant health innovators and having the opportunity to discuss, debate and explore issues relating to patient engagement — which is an oft time overlooked but crucial element to success in a patient’s healthcare continuum.

The healthcare system in the U.S. is experiencing significant challenges. With that I firmly believe that when health systems prioritize and sup­port the fundamental principle of accepting their patients as “partners” in the management of their health and wellness, we will all benefit.