Today’s Patients are more conscious of their responsibilities as healthcare consumers and are aware that they have choices when it comes to providers and therapies. As a result, patients nowadays have expectations for their care experience and are empowered to take charge of their healthcare journeys. The majority of healthcare searches now begin with a search engine, as opposed to more conventional means like word-of-mouth and referrals.

What is the Patient Journey?

The increasing trends in healthcare consumerization and value-based care initiatives have led to a renewed emphasis on the patient experience in recent years. In order to maintain their competitiveness, providers are starting to view patients more like clients and, as a result, are making efforts to enhance the patient experience overall and retain patients inside their networks.

The Pillars of Patient Journey

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  Accessible and Timely Care

  
  

One of the primary pillars of a well-managed patient journey is ensuring that care is accessible and provided in a timely manner. This involves reducing barriers to entry, such as long waiting times or limited availability of healthcare professionals. By streamlining processes and implementing efficient scheduling systems, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it.

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  Seamless Care Coordination

  
  

Care coordination is essential for a smooth patient journey. It involves ensuring that all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care are well-informed and work together seamlessly. This includes sharing patient information, coordinating appointments, and facilitating communication between different specialists. Effective care coordination not only improves the patient experience but also enhances the quality and safety of care.

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  Patient Empowerment and Engagement

  
  

Encouraging patients to take an active role in their own medical care is essential.

This can be achieved through education, shared decision-making, and providing patients with the necessary tools to manage their health. By involving patients in the decision-making process and providing them with the information they need, healthcare providers can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to better health outcomes.

Read more : Pillars of Patient Journey in Managed Healthcare