Healthcare providers are encouraging patient engagement in their health through technology, according to Health Leaders Media.
Here are five ways healthcare systems utilize technology to enhance health.
1. Smoking. Since the majority of Americans own smartphones, the healthcare industry is harnessing the devices to encourage healthy patient behavior through texting. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has embraced the power of texting in its smoking cessation program.
Smokers who have spoken to tobacco treatment specialists will be enrolled in a text message support program. A smoker can text "crave" and will receive a text message on ways to control the relapse.
Research has proven medication use and amount of time with a provider positively impact rates of tobacco use. So, Mayo Clinic is testing the ability of text messages to improve medication use.
2. Chronic disease. New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System replaced traditional blood glucometers with Livongo, a chronic care management system using a wireless glucometer. Livongo uploads data to its cloud-based analytics platform via a 2G radio.
Livongo certified diabetes educators receive results and offer guidance to patients. Following a blood sugar reading, users receive a message from an educator, saying something like, "Seems like your blood pressure is in control."
3. Wellness programs. Houston Methodist provides its employees with discounted Fitbits. The health system implemented wellness competitions, and employees could qualify for lower premiums if they are active.
4. Wellness patient portal. Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health offers a wellness portal, which tracks incentive points for fitness. These points lower premiums the following year. The portal also provides stress management and financial wellness workshops.
5. Patient engagement. Naples, Fla.-based NCH Healthcare System understands patients want control over their health, and they're more likely to respond to texts instead of emails. The health system partnered with HealthGrid to create a customer relationship system for providers.
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