Healthcare is among the fastest-growing sectors in the US. After the struggle the industry went through during the pandemic, it is clear that it can accommodate more businesses. That’s a good reason to consider launching a startup because there is plenty of scope for growth.
The revenue figures are also encouraging, as statistics show that they will cross $16.81 billion in 2023. The growth rate is estimated to be around 12.71%, with a projected market volume of $27.13 billion by 2027.
Not surprisingly, the competition in the industry is likely to boom as more and more startups foray into it to leverage the opportunity. Standing apart is the key to success in a competitive landscape. When it comes to healthcare, patient engagement can be the key differentiator.
Research shows that patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes. Besides boosting your profits and client base, it can enhance the reputation of your clinic or hospital. Engaging your patients takes more than involving them in healthcare decisions.
Here are some secrets healthcare startups can adopt to enhance patient engagement from the outset:
Set Realistic Expectations
Realistic expectations are the mainstay of successful patient interactions. Ensure clear and realistic ones around treatment costs and timelines from the start. Living up to their expectations gives people the impression that you have their best interests at heart.
Establish trust and transparency because patients are more comfortable if they know what to expect. Patients also look forward to seamless communication from providers with clear updates and instructions regarding their condition. Also, remember that as a startup, you should never overcommit and create unrealistic expectations.
Personalize Patient Care
Surveys show that 75% of American consumers want more personalization in their healthcare experiences. This piece of information is a goldmine for startups looking to win the engagement game. Focusing on the unique needs and conditions of your clients makes you a trustworthy provider.
The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) technology can empower you with data and analytics to segment individual needs according to unique conditions, preferences, and behaviors. A software solution developed by a reputable EMR healthcare company can address your needs.
According to Net Health, an integrated EMR solution can help you manage patient information and improve outcomes for your growing business. Additionally, it can minimize complex documentation and increase efficiency.
Leverage Healthcare Technologies
Healthcare technologies are at the forefront in the US, with the digital health market size reaching $77.0 billion in 2022. Adopting them can help you take patient engagement to the next level.
Here are a few instances of health tech leading to better experiences:
- Telemedicine and remote monitoring can make quality care accessible to patients with mobility issues and living in remote areas.
- Health tracking and monitoring with wearable devices enable patients to track parameters like blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rate in real-time. They can quickly seek advice from their providers when something is amiss.
- Automated reminders for appointments can reduce no-shows for clinics and hospitals. Likewise, you can use them to ensure medication adherence and timely refills.
- Gamification of the healthcare experience is an effective measure to encourage patients to achieve their health goals through challenges and rewards.
- Online patient communities can foster a safe space where people battling with similar conditions can share experiences and motivate each other to get through the challenging phase.
- Patient portals for billing and insurance can improve the financial experience and help with cash recoveries.
Provide Education and Information
Patient education is another key aspect of healthcare engagement. The more they know about their condition, treatment options, and preventive measures, the more they participate in their healthcare decisions. Startups can gain an early advantage by capitalizing on this factor because it is affordable and easy to implement.
You can offer reliable, accessible, and up-to-date health information through your website and patient portal. Share personalized educational resources such as blog posts, videos, and infographics according to individual conditions and needs. Besides driving engagement, these resources help you establish yourself as an authority in a competitive landscape.
Wrapping Up
Patient engagement is an ongoing process for healthcare providers, whether they are startups or established players. Engaging your patients requires a genuine focus on improving their experiences from the moment they step into the completion of their treatment plan. Commitment and innovation are the cornerstones of patient engagement.
Although the effort seems humungous for a startup, you can implement these actionable secrets to maximize patient engagement. You shouldn’t have any qualms about adopting them because they can help your startup thrive in a competitive space.
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