4 Ways Healthcare Digitization Improves the Patient Experience

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4 Ways Healthcare Digitization Improves the Patient Experience

Posted December 06, 2024

AudioEye

Posted December 06, 2024

Laptop screen with the image of a woman doctor; the healthcare symbol is in the upper left-hand corner and the accessibility icon is in the bottom right-hand corner.
Laptop screen with the image of a woman doctor; the healthcare symbol is in the upper left-hand corner and the accessibility icon is in the bottom right-hand corner.

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Digitization is reshaping the healthcare landscape by prioritizing patient-centered solutions. By modernizing healthcare processes with technology, healthcare professionals can not only improve care quality but also foster trust and satisfaction among patients. Below, we’ll look at additional ways healthcare digitization improves the patient experience.

In today’s highly competitive healthcare market, digitization is revolutionizing the healthcare system and changing the way care is delivered. With the integration of new technologies, healthcare providers have the opportunity to significantly enhance the overall patient experience. 

While advanced innovations like 3D printing or robotic surgical assistants may grab headlines, the real game-changer often lies in simpler, more accessible solutions that streamline and digitize the patient journey. Here are four concrete ways healthcare digitization improves the healthcare experience and boosts patient satisfaction.

1. Streamlined Administrative Processes

For many healthcare professionals, administrative burdens often overshadow taking care of patients. Tasks like appointment scheduling, billing, and patient experience surveys often consume valuable time that could be better spent on patient care. According to the National Institute of Health, staff members in healthcare facilities spend an average of 8.7 hours (or 16.6% of working hours) on administrative tasks. Taking back that time enables healthcare professionals to spend more time on improving the experience of patients and providing better medical care.

Strategies like implementing AI-driven workflows can help alleviate these pressures. Online booking systems and automated billing processes not only reduce the workload for front desk staff but also create a smoother experience for patients. For example, digital tools like electronic health records (EHRs), medical billing software, and health-tracking apps give clinicians much-needed data that can streamline administrative processes like updating patient records, creating treatment plans, scheduling follow-ups, and more.

Put simply: the digitalization of healthcare services allows healthcare providers to focus more on what they do best — providing quality care — while ensuring patients enjoy a more efficient, less stressful experience.

2. Prioritizing Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility is critical in creating an accessible and inclusive healthcare environment for every person. With roughly 28% of the population experiencing a disability, it’s essential for healthcare practices to implement accessibility measures. Technologies like AudioEye can save time and money for healthcare organizations while creating a more positive patient experience by ensuring that online services, from appointment bookings to virtual visits, are usable for everyone. 

Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services introduced new technical standards for web accessibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — and the clock is ticking for HHS-funded organizations to ensure their websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities. 

Digital accessibility practices improve the user experience for everyone and decrease legal risk. By designing digital experiences with inclusivity in mind, healthcare providers not only comply with regulations but also foster a sense of community and trust.

3. The Rise of Virtual Visits

Telemedicine has transformed healthcare settings, offering patients more options than ever to get the care they need. This shift has been particularly beneficial during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where virtual visits became essential. 

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual healthcare has become a popular choice for care delivery among today’s patients. In fact, roughly 76% of care providers have used some form of telemedicine since 2018 — and that number is only expected to grow as telemedicine tools become more sophisticated. 

Enabling patients to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes improves convenience, accessibility, and efficiency for both providers and patients. Patients have the ability to consult with healthcare professionals from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and decreasing the time away from work or family members. Plus, patients can consult with providers in near real-time, keeping wait times low and streamlining the delivery of care.

For providers, virtual visits streamline appointment scheduling, allowing for greater patient reach and often reducing overhead costs associated with in-person care. The technology also enhances patient loyalty and satisfaction and helps providers deliver health plans more flexible and effectively.

4. Empowering Patients with Digital Medical Records

The ability to access medical records digitally is a significant leap forward in patient empowerment. When patients can view their health information from anywhere, they can take a more active role in their care and health outcomes. 

While there are safety concerns surrounding data security, the advantages far outweigh the risks. Digital records facilitate better communication between patients and providers, streamline care coordination, and reduce the likelihood of errors. This transparency fosters trust and gives patients peace of mind, knowing they have access to their medical history whenever they need it. For providers, the ability to access patient information at any time gives them real-time access to critical data that can be used to improve decision-making and patient outcomes.

Modernizing Healthcare with Patient-Centered Technology

Healthcare digitization is not just about advanced technologies; it's about enhancing the patient experience through thoughtful, user-friendly solutions. By streamlining administrative processes, embracing telemedicine, prioritizing accessibility, and empowering patients with digital medical records, healthcare providers can significantly improve the quality of care their patients experience. As the world becomes more digital, it’s crucial for healthcare practices to modernize and innovate their processes, ensuring that patient-centered care is the focus of all healthcare providers. 

AudioEye recognizes technology’s crucial role in the healthcare industry, which is why we created our digital accessibility platform that’s easy to use and meets accessibility compliance standard, including the latest HHS standards. 


Ready to see how AudioEye can help you improve the patient experience and meet compliance standards? Schedule a demo today.

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