A Patient-First Approach: Meet Patients Where They Are

In the world of software development, “mobile-first” is a concept that some companies use as a guiding principle. That means developers consider the mobile user first, designing applications suitable for a small screen with limited detail and then add features and more complicated design elements as the device dimensions get larger. It’s gaining traction as more and more people have access to mobile phones.

Obviously healthcare is a lot more complicated than that, but what if tools and information were simple and accessible enough for every patient? Applying the “mobile-first” methodology would mean giving every patient a baseline of care. Tools can be more complicated, but that’s not the entry point.

It’s time to employ a “patient-first” approach to cancer care delivery and not just for the sake of the patient. That approach will allow downstream benefits that value-based care is intended to achieve. Patients can be more engaged in their care and experience improved outcomes, leading to higher reimbursements and improving provider ratings.

Navigating Cancer’s patient relationship platform (PRM) solution is built from this patient-first approach and it’s EMR and device agnostic – meaning you have the means to impact every patient’s care and outcomes – wherever they are and whenever they need.

The platform is a comprehensive patient relationship platform (PRM) that meets each patient where they are. When technology tools for cancer patients are device and EMR agnostic you can help every patients get engaged and become an important element of their own care. Use a connected PRM solution to:

  • Empower Patients. A patient-first strategy makes access to information, personalized education and a direct connection to their care team the top priorities. When cancer patients have those important tools, they can be committed to their treatment plan because they were involved in its development. They know what to expect and how to manage issues if they arise. The are better prepared to adhere to their treatment and understand the reasons and risks. And if something unexpected does happen they can easily alert their care team and get help right away.
  • Save Time and Money. A patient-first strategy is also a big advantage for the care team. Through shared-decision making, patient buy-in increases and the likelihood they stay on therapy and follow their treatment plan goes up as well. Informed patients will make fewer calls than those who are confused or unsure. Don’t waste the precious time you have with patients in person dealing with administrative tasks, use that to strengthen your relationship and ensure your patients have everything they need. The result will be a better patient experience and reduced burden on staff.
  • Improve Outcomes. Recent studies – including ones where Navigating Cancer’s technology was an important factor – show that comprehensive, connected care does meaningfully lower costs and lead better outcomes. In one study, patients who viewed treatment-specific education stayed on therapy longer and lived longer. In another patients who were helped with proactive triage and symptom management pathways were able to avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency department.

Practices are under growing pressure to comply with complex value-based programs and meet higher patient expectation. But as you work to ready your practice for a new era of healthcare – remember that without a patient-centered approach, all the reports, tools and resources won’t be enough.

To learn more about patient relationship management, contact us today!

 

Stay in the Know

Subscribe to the Navigating Cancer blog for the latest news, innovations, and best practices in oncology care.