Patients Demand Technology

AUTHORED BY WENDY DURRE, CUSTOMER EXECUTIVE @ GUIDEIT

What would you think if you walked into a physician’s office and they actually wrote down your appointment in an old-fashioned paper appointment book? Recently my mother called me to say she left a physician’s office because of this very thing.  Although she is in her 70’s and not necessarily tech savvy, it made her uneasy and less confident in that practice.  Why???  If they were using antiquated business practices, how would that effect her patient care and the way they treated her medical issue?

As a person who works in the technology field, I am accustomed to helping providers implement and optimize technology.  Today’s customer (patient) has a different set of expectations; even those of just 10 years ago.   You don’t have to grow-up using video games to understand that technology is an integral part of the medical field and patient experience.

Recently a study was performed where 97% of the patients surveyed approved of their physician using technology (including desktop and mobile devices) in the exam room.  And, 58% felt that it positively impacts their overall experience, especially when used to educate and explain.  What I find ironic is that technology abounds and always has in the healthcare world; however we often hear that physicians/clinicians etc., are reluctant to adopt new technology despite the fact that their patients welcome it.

While change is never comfortable, it is definitely necessary.  I predict physicians who choose not to adopt this new tech-savvy avenue will see a dramatic decline in the number of patients they see in their practice.   But, as long as technology doesn’t take away from the interpersonal communication they have with their patients, it will be an asset.  Not only will it improve their physician/patient experience, but their business practices as well.

Now what to do with all of that data?

Make it a great day!