With the advancement of technology, healthcare has been revolutionized in more ways than one. One such innovation that has greatly impacted the industry is telehealth. This virtual form of healthcare delivery allows patients to receive mental healthcare services at times and locations that may work better for them. But its benefits go beyond convenience and accessibility – telehealth also plays a crucial role in increasing patient retention to their recovery program. In this blog post, we’ll explore five ways in which telehealth can boost patient activation and retention and its impact on addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare providers.
Understanding Patient Activation
Patient activation refers to the knowledge, skills, and confidence that enable individuals to actively manage their health and healthcare. It involves taking charge of one’s own health and being proactive in making decisions about treatment options. Research has shown that patients who are highly activated have better health outcomes, lower costs of care, and higher satisfaction with their healthcare experience.
Telehealth: A Tool for Patient Activation and Retention
Telehealth has been gaining popularity in recent years, and its potential to improve patient activation is undeniable. Moreover, the benefits of telehealth for mental health and addiction treatment professionals have not only provided a platform for virtual consultations but have also opened up new opportunities for healthcare providers to engage and empower their patients.
Here are five ways telehealth can increase patient activation and retention:
1. Improving Access to Care
One of the main barriers to patient activation is access to care. Many patients, particularly those in rural or underserved places, may have limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists. This can make it difficult for them to actively engage in managing their health. With telehealth, patients can connect with their providers from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and reducing barriers to care.
Apart from this, individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to physical or mental health issues can also benefit from telehealth services. This level of accessibility makes it easier for patients to actively participate in their treatment plans.
2. Facilitating Self-Management
Telehealth also empowers patients to take control of their health through self-management tools and resources. Providers can use teleconferencing, video tutorials, digital health apps, and more to educate patients about their condition and treatment options. This can help patients make informed decisions about their care and actively engage in managing their health. Plus, with real-time communication, providers can monitor their patients’ progress and provide guidance as needed.
3. Encouraging Patient Involvement
With telehealth, patients are more involved in the decision-making process. Virtual consultations allow them to have a direct conversation with their provider about their health concerns and treatment options. This level of involvement can increase patient satisfaction and motivation to actively participate in their care. It also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and provider, which is crucial for effective treatment.
4. Enhancing Continuity of Care
For individuals with chronic conditions or those in recovery from addiction, continuity of care is vital to maintain stability and prevent relapse. Telehealth provides a seamless way to continue treatment plans without disruptions due to travel or scheduling conflicts. Patients can easily connect with their providers for follow-up appointments, medication management, and more through virtual visits. This consistent care can lead to improved health outcomes and increased patient activation.
5. Promoting Accountability
Accountability is a crucial aspect of patient activation and retention. It not only holds patients responsible for their own health but also motivates them to actively participate in their treatment. With telehealth, providers can set up reminders for appointments, medication refills, and other important tasks through digital platforms. This can help patients stay on track with their treatment plans and hold themselves accountable for their health.
How Does This Benefit Healthcare Providers?
Telehealth not only benefits patients but also healthcare providers. It allows providers to expand their reach and offer services to a wider patient population. Moreover, telehealth can reduce no-show rates and increase revenue streams for healthcare organizations. It also improves efficiency and productivity by streamlining processes and reducing administrative tasks. Overall, telehealth can help healthcare providers deliver better care and achieve better outcomes for their patients.
Ready to Incorporate Telehealth in Your Organization?
Incorporating telehealth into your clinic can have a positive impact on patient activation, retention and overall treatment outcomes. At AZZLY®️, we provide customizable software for mental health practices and addiction treatment centers. Our platform, AZZLY Rize™, is designed to streamline and simplify the daily operations of your clinic.
With Zoom®️ virtual meetings integrated as a single sign-on solution for all telehealth providers, AZZLY Rize™ offers many convenient features. These include appointment reminders, attendance tracking, session duration recording, presentation sharing, educational links, group sessions, closed captioning, and more. Our real-time documentation feature ensures that notes are completed promptly for accurate billing.
AZZLY Rize™ empowers your staff through its user-friendly interface and automated processes. Our platform includes essential features such as e-check-in, scheduling, EHR, telehealth, treatment plans, progress notes, outcome measurement tools, medication management, bed board, withdrawal management, e-prescribing, EPCS, PDMP, patient communication tools, and electronic billing and claims submission. The platform also offers data analytics and reporting to help you make informed decisions about your facility.
Ready to take the first step towards incorporating telehealth in your organization? Contact us at hello@azzly.com or 1 (888) 400-3201 to learn more. You can also secure time with your Solution Consultant’s calendar here. Let us help you provide better care and increase patient activation through telehealth.
