SR Health Blog

Hospital and health system CIOs pegged patient engagement technology as their biggest focus for 2021, according to a recent poll. Stoltenberg Consulting’s Health IT Industry Outlook Survey found that 52 percent of healthcare organization CIOs cited patient engagement as the No. 1 issue while continuing to support their organizations’ COVID response efforts.

Text messaging celebrates its 30th birthday next year—the first text message was sent in 1992—however it’s creators would hardly recognize their invention which today has evolved into a world-changing communications technology. It’s snowballed from a trendy way for friends to informally chat to be an integral part of day-to-day communications for consumers, businesses, organizations—you name it, they’re using it.

Everyone knows that the COVID pandemic hurt healthcare providers in more ways than one. It led to massive interruptions in patient care that took a direct hit on your bottom line. And for many, that pain persists. According to a recent MGMA poll, nearly half of medical practices report that visit volumes are still below pre-pandemic levels.

"Patient Communication: What's Working Right Now"

Nagging, headache-inducing, and often downright painful, disruptions are unfortunately a part of life for healthcare organizations. They come in many forms, whether they be patient-driven, internal issues, or unpredictable “acts of God,” disruptions to a provider’s appointment schedule can wreak havoc on profitability.

There are many changes I would like to see in 2021. Universal healthcare, check. More accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations, yes please. Lower price of healthcare, of course. Unfortunately, we will not see those changes in 2021 because each will take a lifetime and a half to happen.

Got the missed appointment blues? You’re not alone. Missed appointments were already a vulnerability for healthcare, and the shock to the system from the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated that weakness.

“Data-Driven Strategies to Keep Your Schedule Full in the Post-COVID World”

Though the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to surge forward in both momentum and speed, the nationwide effort to get as many shots in arms as quickly as possible hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

We are witnessing the dawn of a new world. One where we are seeing increases in the numbers of individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. What does this mean for healthcare, the patient experience, improving lines of communication, and patient engagement? Glad you asked! Here are five new ways to approach connection with patients while simultaneously addressing awareness and support for COVID-19 vaccination, building transparency, and educating and empowering patients to have meaningful conversations with their doctor about immunization.