Written by Mike Elvin, Program Director, Patient Experience, Iatric Systems
I’m hearing every day that Core 6.2 of Meaningful Use (also known as View, Download, Transmit, or VDT), continues to be a thorn in the side of many hospitals.
“I don’t understand,” our clients lament. “I purchased and implemented a patient portal, why won’t my patients use it?”
My answer is typically in the form of a movie reference. In Field of Dreams, a man builds an expensive baseball field in his cornfield on faith that it would someday be used. And in the end, it is. But unlike in the movies, building something on faith doesn’t mean they will come.
Having patients become more engaged with their healthcare takes much more then handing a patient a piece of paper with a code when they walk in the door. It takes a cohesive marketing plan and staff investment, all working toward one goal: a shift in mindset.
Patients MUST be shown what’s in it for them. They must decide that your portal brings them new benefits and they must understand how participating and taking active control over their health is critical. Only your staff can make that happen.
As a consultant, I am constantly helping my customers overcome the most difficult engagement challenges — from elderly or indifferent populations to organizational resistance. My customers call on me because they don’t have the resources, staff, or time to drive this shift amongst their stakeholders and patients.
If your hospital continues to struggle with 6.2, read our Portal Adoption eBook to learn tips and tricks on increasing patient engagement.
Don’t sit back and wait for them to come, or you’ll be staring at an empty ball field.
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