Medscape recently published a summary of a recent survey titled, “Digital Divide Between Patients, Physicians Continues” and it caught our attention.
They surveyed 1,423 health professionals (including 847 physicians) and 1,103 patients. Of the patients surveyed, 80% of patients believed EHRs make a practice more efficient. Physicians had a much different view. While 90% of physicians surveyed used EHR, half said said it actually reduced their efficiency.
The survey also showed that patients viewed technology more favorably than physicians, who largely saw it as a requirement.
This difference between the perceptions of patients and providers could explain the discrepancy of expectations as patients become more involved in their own care. If patients believe EHRs are helping to make their doctors more efficient, they will expect more regarding the quality of their care and coordination. If physicians feel they have been burdened with additional administrative duties that detract from patient care, this “digital divide” could be leaving both parties frustrated.
The different views of technology are a good reminder that the addition of new technology tools have to be integrated in a coordinated, connected way so that they actually facilitate better care, increased patient engagement and streamlined workflows.
A Patient Relationship Management platform (PRM) does just that. It’s an essential complement to the clinical documentation workflow captured in the EMR. It brings together patients and providers to collaborate on personalized patient care at the clinic and beyond it. It offers insights to the care team and allows all members of the care team to have a holistic view of the patient’s care. It meets patients where they are and provides a platform for real-time connectivity and communication with patients – to address issues and intervene when appropriate.
Patient expectations are rapidly evolving and delivering patient-centered care is a complex undertaking. A PRM solution can help providers meet those expectations, increase efficiency and improve care.