How Medical Providers Can Get Chronic Care Patients More Involved in Their Health

Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can be difficult for patients who struggle to stay engaged with their own care. This can easily lead to worsening health, increased hospitalizations, and higher costs for both patients and providers. To improve outcomes, medical providers must find ways of encouraging patients to take active roles in their treatment plans. Let’s explore why this has become such a challenge, as well as strategies and tools that medical providers can use to get chronic care patients more involved.

Why Patient Engagement Matters in Chronic Care

The vast majority of U.S. healthcare costs are attributed to chronic conditions and mental health. Patients who actively monitor their symptoms, adhere to treatment plans, and make recommended lifestyle changes tend to experience better health outcomes and fewer emergency visits. Yet many patients face barriers to this, from a lack of education about their conditions, to difficulty remembering medication schedules, limited access to healthcare providers, and low motivation to make the necessary changes.

Effective Strategies for Engaging Chronic Care Patients

One of the most influential methods for improving patient engagement is the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM). By equipping patients with wearable sensors, providers can track key health metrics like blood pressure, glucose levels, and pulse ox outside of clinical settings. This data provides a holistic view of each patient’s condition, and can be used to alert providers to the initial warning signs of potential complications. The result: earlier health interventions that can reduce emergency services and save lives.

Digital health apps and patient portals also play a significant role in keeping patients engaged. Mobile applications or secure online portals allow patients to view their lab results, receive appointment reminders, communicate directly with providers, and track progress on health goals. Apps like mySugr for diabetes management, Medisafe for medication reminders, and MyChart for accessing personal health records can give patients greater visibility into their own health, and empower them to be more proactive with treatment.

It’s worth noting that patients are more likely to experience better health outcomes when they participate in decision-making and care. That can mean having a voice in setting realistic, achievable health goals. Healthcare providers can work with patients to establish measurable targets, such as lowering A1C levels or reducing blood pressure, while using motivational interviewing techniques to uncover and address concerns. By offering behavioral coaching and reinforcing positive habits over time, providers can help patients stay committed to their health objectives.

For those who struggle with in-person visits, telehealth and virtual support programs provide convenient alternatives. Telemedicine visits allow for frequent follow-ups without the need for travel, while online support groups connect patients with others facing similar challenges. These virtual resources foster ongoing engagement by providing education, encouragement, and access to professionals when needed.

Real-World Examples of Patient Engagement

A large healthcare system implements an RPM program for hypertensive patients, providing them with connected blood pressure monitors that automatically upload readings to a patient portal. A patient receives an automated alert when their blood pressure exceeds safe levels, allowing care teams to intervene quickly when trends indicate worsening hypertension. The RPM program includes monthly telehealth check-ins to talk with patients about adjusting medications or lifestyle changes. 

A primary care clinic integrates the mySugr app into its diabetes management program. By encouraging patients to log their blood sugar levels, track their diets, and receive real-time feedback from its providers, the clinic sees a dramatic improvement in treatment adherence. The app’s gamified tracking system rewards patients for logging meals and checking glucose levels, while automated medication reminders encourage them to obey prescribed treatments.

Patient Engagement Requires Strong Data Management

Chronic disease management may also require help on the provider’s side, and we have several key solutions. 

Chronic Care Management. We act as an extension of your organization to help your patients understand their conditions and participate more in their own care.

Remote Patient Monitoring. We can coordinate RPM efforts between vendors and practices to ensure that patient data is organized appropriately, and services are billed correctly.

Medical Auditing and Abstraction. We can review patients’ health records to make sure that the information recorded is accurate and compliant, as well as provide deeper reviews of that data to gain valuable insight into their conditions.

Would you like to learn more about how to improve your CCM and get chronic care patients more involved with their own health? Contact us today to discuss a program.