How can you help patients use technology for self-management?

Teachback is a great tool often utilized by case managers, discharge planners and clinicians. Simply communicate and teach the patient the steps to be taken, the have them recite and teach it back to you to confirm comprehension.

This is a very critical aspect. Assessing patient needs and preferences in addition to assessing their digital health literacy. Providing patients with tools should support them and reduce the burden of their condition, we should be wary of overloading them with tech burdens and an overflow of data. A tailored yet thoughtful approach is needed to empower patients to take lead in their case management and eventually have improved health outcomes.

Understanding the individual needs and preferences of patients is paramount when introducing technology for self-management. Conducting thorough assessments allows healthcare providers to tailor their approach accordingly. By identifying patients' goals, challenges, and comfort levels with technology, providers can offer personalized recommendations and interventions that are more likely to be accepted and effective. Moreover, recognizing any existing barriers or gaps in self-management enables providers to address these issues proactively, fostering better patient engagement and outcomes.

You can help patients use technology for self-management by educating them about relevant health apps, wearables, and online resources, assisting with setup and navigation, and providing ongoing support and guidance on how to integrate these tools into their healthcare routine effectively.

Educate on Available Tools: Introduce patients to available technology tools such as mobile health apps, wearable devices, and online resources that can aid in self-management.

Once patients' needs and preferences are assessed, healthcare providers can educate them on the diverse range of technology-based self-management tools available. From mobile apps to wearable devices and telehealth services, patients can benefit from a plethora of options. Providers play a crucial role in explaining the functionalities, benefits, and suitability of each technology, helping patients make informed decisions that align with their individual circumstances and goals. Providing reliable sources of information and support further empowers patients to navigate the technological landscape confidently.

Incentivize patients who have used the technology to create videos on 1) how to acquire and set up the technology, and 2) major benefits and setbacks based on their own personal experiences. Review this information for validity and refer new patients to consult these valuable resources.

Supporting patients in setting up and utilizing technology for self-management is essential for ensuring successful integration into their routines. Healthcare providers can offer hands-on assistance with tasks such as downloading apps, registering accounts, and navigating interfaces. By demonstrating how to use these tools for tracking health indicators, accessing records, and communicating with providers, providers can alleviate any apprehensions or uncertainties patients may have. Additionally, addressing questions and concerns promptly enhances patients' confidence in utilizing technology effectively.

Offer training sessions on how to use these technologies effectively, focusing on functionalities that assist in tracking health metrics, medication management, and symptom monitoring.

Tailor technology recommendations to fit the individual needs and preferences of each patient, considering factors like age, tech-savviness, and specific health conditions.

Supporting patients remotely is critical. Tech and digital tools have enabled remote support and monitoring which can help improve health outcomes in between visits while keeping both patients and their care providers aligned.

Regular monitoring and evaluation of patients' progress using technology-based self-management tools are vital components of effective care. Healthcare providers can leverage these tools to collect data on health outcomes, behaviors, and patient satisfaction, facilitating ongoing assessment and adjustment of treatment plans. Additionally, utilizing technology for regular communication enables providers to offer timely feedback, encouragement, and support, fostering patient engagement and adherence. By evaluating the effectiveness and usability of technology, providers can refine interventions to better meet patients' needs and preferences.

Technology can give patients the freedom to actively manage their condition. This can reduce anxiety because they’re receiving real-time info, enabling them to be proactive in the management of their condition. It gives them a sense of control, reducing dependency on others and boosting their self-confidence. It can also strengthen the relationship with their healthcare providers, creating a more collaborative and informed experience.

Empowerment within healthcare entails equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, resources, and confidence to proactively engage in managing their own health and making well-informed decisions regarding their care. Digital health tools allow patients access to their medical records, test results, and treatment alternatives, thereby enabling them to actively partake in discussions concerning their care plans and objectives. By leveraging technology and fostering collaborative relationships between patients and healthcare providers, we have the potential to transform healthcare delivery and enable individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This is the goal. Providing patients with the support needed to be the drivers of their care management. I believe that this is best done by involving patients since the initiation of such tools, at the level of providing insights of lived experience, followed by involvement during design phase by using co-design methods, and last but not least at treatment level by involving them in shared decision making.

Empowering patients to take ownership of their self-management journey is a fundamental aspect of healthcare delivery. Providers can encourage patients to set realistic goals, overcome barriers, and celebrate achievements, fostering a sense of autonomy and accountability. Emphasizing that technology serves as a tool to enhance—not replace—the patient-provider relationship reinforces patients' roles as active participants in their care. By empowering patients to utilize technology as part of their self-management strategy, providers support them in achieving better health outcomes and improved overall well-being.

Empowerment and teaching your patients to take ownership is very important. As a hospital case manager, the majority of our patients are those who have chronic care concerns. One of the reasons these patients end up back in the hospital, is because they have not taken ownership of their care. There are so many teaching opportunities to help patients better manage their care at home to prevent readmissions. Making sure a patient has a clear discharge plan and teaching them how to use the tools they have available to them, could potentially prevent a lot of readmission.

I think , Technology plays a pivotal role in empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health. By providing access to health information, monitoring health metrics, facilitating medication management, enabling telehealth and remote monitoring, supporting behavior change, and fostering peer support and community engagement, technology equips patients with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions, achieve better health outcomes, and lead fulfilling lives. As technology continues to evolve, it holds immense potential to transform the patient experience and revolutionize healthcare delivery in the years to come.