There is a strong case to be made for healthcare providers to shift to a patient-centered model. Hospitals, doctors, and other professionals in the medical field are recognizing the numerous benefits of delivering care that is focused on patient preferences, needs and values.

As a healthcare technology provider to this sector, it is to your great benefit to understand these advantages. This way, you can help healthcare professionals meet their patient-centered care goals through a range of technology solutions.

Growth of the patient-centered model

There are many reasons why healthcare organizations are moving towards a patient-centered model today. A hospital that prioritizes the needs of patients and families can achieve a better overall financial performance. By working together more closely with patients and their families, they can decrease their expenses, reduce waste, and minimize unnecessary diagnostic tests. At the same time, they can increase their market share by offering care that is more appealing to potential patients.

This model of care is also more appealing to hospital personnel. The patient-centered approach has been shown to improve employee satisfaction and retention. This helps elevate the performance of the staff, reduce training costs, and decrease employee turnover.

Best of all, putting patients’ needs and concerns first has been shown to improve health outcomes. Speedy recovery and a healthy patient are the ultimate goals for any healthcare provider. This makes the patient-centric business model the best direction your healthcare customers can take, and makes it vitally important for you to understand how technology can help fill this need for them.

Communication between providers and patients

In today’s world, centering on the patient also means providing an easy and convenient way for medical professionals and administrators to interact with patients remotely. During a pandemic, many patients will prefer not to have to enter a medical facility. Similarly, many doctors, nurses and other professionals will be relieved to reduce face-to-face appointments wherever possible using telemedicine solutions.

Video conferencing systems, mobile computing and communication systems, portable speaker phones, and business-grade headsets are among the technology products that make it easier for doctors and patients to communicate remotely with one another.

Convenient patient intake

Checking in for a medical examination, procedure or surgery can be a very stressful situation for a patient. The right technology can make the experience easier and more comfortable, providing a better start to the entire process. Self-service kiosks with antimicrobial keyboards, payment terminals, and wristband printers all help to enable a better intake experience.

Facility security

In order to present a welcoming environment to patients and visitors, hospitals and medical facilities must be open to the public. At the same time, it is essential for them to secure treatment wings, patient floors and other sensitive areas of the facility. Physical security products, including video surveillance cameras, access control systems, and RFID tags provide the means to maintain security. Knowing the provider cares for their security can be highly reassuring to patients who are already anxious about their appointment or procedure.

Reducing the possibility for error

Many patients have read news stories about mistakes that have been made during medical procedures. This only adds to the apprehension they may be feeling when they have to visit the doctor themselves. Barcode printers and scanners reassure them that their identities, medications, and specimens are correctly attributed and distributed.

Often, a patient’s medical journey can include treatment from several different providers. This can multiply the possibility of an error being made. With communication systems and mobile handheld computers, it is easier for professionals to access Electronic Health Records and communicate with one another about specific patients and treatments.

Creating the optimal experience for patients and families

Helping healthcare providers understand what technology will help them provide a smoother and less stressful experience for their patients is an important part of the value delivered by the integrator or dealer/installer. By advising them about what they need and how to deploy and use healthcare technology systems, you are enabling them to create that patient-centered model that delivers better outcomes and improves overall efficiency.

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