Improving patient outcomes and health care access in rural populations with patient engagement technology

© Melinda Nagy - stock.adobe.com

Around 80% of rural America is considered medically underserved, according to the Rural Health Information Center, which means many rural residents experience significantly limited access to health care. We can attribute this primarily to a lack of resources; long travel distances; and a persistent shortage of health care professionals, specifically primary care providers. Patients in these regions may struggle to access timely medical advice, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Socioeconomic factors also exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for individuals to prioritize their health needs.

There is a critical role that effective patient communication and engagement tools can play in enhancing health care access and outcomes, particularly for rural and underserved populations. In an era where technology can bridge gaps in care, it’s essential to explore how these solutions can address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

The benefits of virtual care

Starla Joyner
© TeleVox

Large portions of the population are underserved due to factors ranging from health care staffing and technology gaps to geographical and financial barriers. For example, a pregnant woman in disadvantaged circumstances might struggle to make all the many appointments required along her pregnancy journey.

That’s where virtual care comes in: allowing people to receive the care they need, when and where they need it. Digital health can improve access to health care experts, such as OB-GYNs and mental health specialists, regardless of geography or office hours. It can fill in gaps for people who may not have local access to timely care during health events such as pregnancy, and it can also sustain support between in-person care appointments, driving improved outcomes.

The power of patient engagement technology

Patient engagement and communication tools can transform the way health care is delivered in these communities. Here are a few of the key ways these technologies are driving improvements in patient outcomes and access:

• Telehealth solutions: Telehealth platforms allow patients to consult health care providers from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need for travel, which can be a significant barrier in rural areas. Patients can receive timely consultations for chronic conditions, mental health support and preventive care, leading to better health management.
• Patient portals: Secure patient portals enable individuals to access their medical records, test results and treatment plans at any time. This transparency fosters a sense of ownership over one’s health and encourages patients to engage more actively with their care. In underserved populations where health literacy may vary, easy access to information is crucial.
• Automated communication: Automated reminders and notifications for appointments, medication refills and health screenings help keep patients on track with their health care. In regions where follow-up visits are critical yet often missed due to transportation issues, these tools can significantly reduce no-show rates.
• Community outreach and education: Digital platforms can serve as channels for health education campaigns tailored to specific community needs. By utilizing local languages and culturally relevant messaging, health care providers can educate patients about preventive care and available services, improving overall health awareness.
• Data-driven insights: Advanced analytics can identify health trends and disparities within rural populations. By leveraging this data, health care providers can tailor interventions that address specific needs, allocate resources more effectively and track improvements over time.

Building trust and relationships

For patient engagement technology to be truly effective, it must also focus on building trust between health care providers and patients. Tools that facilitate personalized communication — such as secure messaging, digital care programs and follow-up surveys — allow providers to connect with patients on a deeper level. This engagement is particularly important in underserved communities, where historical distrust of health care systems can pose barriers to care.

The value of patient relationship management

Patient relationship management (PRM) refers to a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to health care delivery. It signifies a shift toward a more patient-centric model, focused on building lasting relationships and delivering care that deeply resonates with patient needs and preferences.

The essence of PRM lies in its emphasis on sustained, personalized interactions and enhancing health care experiences and outcomes, while also providing significant return on investment and financial benefits to health care systems through improved operational efficiencies, patient retention and activation, and reduced health care costs.

The road ahead

While patient engagement technology has the potential to revolutionize health care access and outcomes, it’s essential to ensure that these tools are designed with the unique challenges of rural and underserved populations in mind. This includes considering factors such as internet accessibility, device availability, community demographics and the digital literacy of patients.

Therefore, collaboration with local health care providers, community organizations and policymakers is vital to create an ecosystem that supports the sustainable implementation of these technologies. By working together, we can ensure that the benefits of patient engagement extend to all communities, leaving no one behind.

As we look toward the future of health care, it’s clear that patient engagement and communication technologies are key drivers of improved health outcomes and access, especially for rural and underserved populations. By leveraging these tools effectively, we can bridge the gaps in care, foster healthier communities and empower patients to take charge of their health journeys. Together, we can create a more equitable health care landscape where every patient has the opportunity to thrive.

As the client engagement director for health care implementation at TeleVox, Starla Joyner is passionate about creating seamless connections between patients and their health care teams. Her mission is to ensure that patients can easily stay connected when they need it most, particularly when their diagnoses support proactive engagement.