Text Messaging for Improved Patient Engagement
SMS is Transforming Healthcare Communications
Given the popularity of smartphones, many businesses are beginning to use short message service (SMS) as a regular channel for communications. Healthcare, though generally slower than most organizations to adopt new technology, is starting to jump on the bandwagon. And they should. Studies centered on the benefits of text messaging for healthcare are yielding impressive results. Following are some of the ways that the utilization of SMS is improving patient engagement.
Patient Preference
According to recent surveys, text messaging is the preferred method of communication for most patients. If your patient has a smartphone, chances are they’d rather receive a text then a phone call, email or paper bill. In a recent survey, 69% of patients said they appreciate text messages from healthcare providers. In fact, more than 50% of patients would prefer to receive texts for appointment or prescription reminders.
Compliance
Nothing is more important than patient privacy. Text communications can be highly secure, using a variety of advanced encryption methods, and are less likely to get hacked than emails. It should be mentioned that not all SMS service providers are alike, care should be taken to ensure the SMS service is HIPAA compliant.
Real-time Contact
In addition to providing patients with reminders for appointments, prescriptions, and payments, some healthcare providers are using text messaging to check in with patients in real-time. Doctors are using the new communication channel to monitor patient recovery, sometimes checking in multiple times per day, something that was incredibly difficult to corroborate prior to the implementation of SMS services. Patients can respond in real-time and initiate contact with physicians when their condition changes or worsens, allowing patients to get the advice they need when they need it and eliminating unnecessary trips to the ER.
Providing patients a channel for text communications creates a wealth of savings for both patients and providers. Missed appointments alone cost the healthcare industry an estimated $150 billion a year. Regular real-time communication can ensure patients stick to their treatment plan, improving their health and lowering the likelihood of unnecessary or repeat visits. Texting is an affordable way to improve patient engagement for healthcare organizations of all kinds, from dentists to pharmacists.
Text messaging is at the top of the list for desired methods of communication with healthcare providers. Are you ready to see what offering your patients a text messaging channel could do for your organization?
Contact us for a consultation today!
Media Contact:
Gerald Jonathan
541.335.2283
gerald.jonathan@kghawes.com
