Can Connected Health Solutions Improve Patient Engagement?

The healthcare industry is evolving with the development of connected health platforms. This is creating benefits for many individuals as they will have access to their data through digital health technologies (Trapollo).

Individuals have the ability to track and collect all their health information in one place and share their data with anyone such as health care providers or caregivers. This includes whole health and other health-related data tracking, which can help empower individuals and create patient engagement.

Digital platforms can help improve individuals' engagement in their health and the overall experience of care through connected health (Patient Engagement). 

As stated by researcher Brian Caulfield, “Connected Health encompasses terms such as wireless, digital, electronic, mobile, and telehealth and refers to a conceptual model for health management where devices, services or interventions are designed around the patient’s needs, and health-related data is shared, in such a way that the patient can receive care in the most proactive and efficient manner possible” (Patient Engagement).

As connected health tools integrate more into the health system, individuals who tend to advocate for themselves will be positively impacted by these solutions.  

How Does Connected Health Impact Patients? 

The revolution of connected health solutions has been highly praised over the years (Patient Engagement). It helps patients focus on wellness maintenance rather than sickness management and allows them to access care from their medical providers more conveniently (Fleming Medical).

Using these health tools allows patients to manage their health and track their own symptoms, empowering them to take charge of their health journey and gain better support. 

When individuals take control of their health information, it creates a sense of empowerment and increases self-efficacy (Patient Engagement). It engages patients to take care of their health willingly as it’s more convenient and accessible. The impact improves patient care and creates better health outcomes, as connected health will help engage patient participation with the goal of improving their health (NIH). 

What Are the Benefits These Tools Can Have On Patient Engagement?

Convenient technology platforms have been ideal for patient care as technology is evolving fast. It allows easy access to health care and engages more patients. Other connected platforms, such as secure messaging tools, are excellent as they save time for both the clinician and patients in need. Some of the best benefits it creates for patients are (Fleming Medical): 

• Empowerment: Patient empowerment is a process that can help individuals gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health (NIH). Patients who manage their own health are more aware of their symptoms, which can lead to better health outcomes. Empowered patients using connected health tools for health tracking, like the Zamplo App, are getting more involved in their own health and tend to learn more about their wellness needs (Patient Bond).
• Efficiency: Connected health platforms were designed to help individuals in the most convenient ways. These services improve accessibility and increase connected healthcare solutions (OSP). The flexibility of remote care and access to basic healthcare needs created by these convenient technology platforms allow patients to access care by creating opportunities for accessible engagement (TechTarget).
• Health Data Tracking: Patients that manage and track their health information can create better insight into their health journey. The process of tracking data can improve patient self-awareness, lead to a quicker solution from health care providers, and can help improve symptoms (Fleming Medical). Connected health tools are able to help enhance patient care experiences and can promote self-efficacy for individuals to manage their own care. 

Looking Ahead 

Connected health platforms are more than just a way for patients to self-report data. The changing landscape of health care is becoming more patient-centred through community and insight-driven data.  

Connected health solutions are positioned to be the next health tools that will bring more technology-enabled care options to the healthcare industry (OSP). These connected health tools are key to improving patient care and engagement for better wellness and for managing patient expectations. 

While healthcare technology continues to evolve and innovative, patients will increasingly become empowered to create autonomy within their health journey. This results in more informed patient decision-making.

A connected health platform, such as the Zamplo App, provides a central location where individuals can track, manage, and store all their health data while empowering individuals to stay connected to their health and health community. 

Electronic data capture platforms serve as the researcher portal allowing clinicians and researchers to view and export participant health data more efficiently and effectively. As more healthcare and research approaches incorporate technology into practices, integrations with connected health platforms provide an innovative way to conduct clinical trials that put the participant at the centre of every decision.    

To learn more about how Zamplo Research (an electronic data capture platform) can integrate with Zamplo App (a connected health platform), visit https://research.zamplo.org/integration.