In today’s fast-paced healthcare industry, patient service programs are being transformed, driven by new and technological technologies. From improving patient compliance and drug affordability to improving patient engagement and advocacy, the use of technology is reshaping traditional healthcare models to make them more personalized and efficient.
Technology for patient affordability
For many uninsured or underinsured patients, the high cost of medicine has been a major burden. Against this backdrop, pharmacists and healthcare providers have launched a variety of patient affordability programs, such as the provision of free or discounted medicines, as well as financial assistance. The effective practice of these programs often relies on the widespread use of advanced data analysis and management systems, such as electronic verification of benefits (eBV). The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this process to accelerate and streamline workflows has dramatically increased the accessibility of treatment options and enabled patients to get the drugs they need faster.
Innovative tools to improve patient compliance
To improve patient adherence to treatment regimens, pharmacists have developed a range of tools and applications. In the early days, devices such as smart pill boxes and smart pill bottle caps used sensing technology to track patients’ medication status, but the effect was not good, and now more inducing care messages are used to increase patients’ motivation to follow. In addition, mobile health apps allow patients to access their personal health data anytime, anywhere, further enhancing patient engagement and compliance.
Optimization of strategies for patient engagement
Patient engagement programs include the optimization of case management, drug cost estimation and management processes, all of which rely on advanced IT solutions. For example, a patient support platform has been created to make it easier for patients to confirm appointments, fill out medical and related forms, update health personal participation records, and view test results.
Technical support to advocate for patient rights
In terms of advocating for patients’ rights, the main focus is on understanding medicine and diseases, using popular science knowledge to enable patients to participate in medical discussions, and the application of technology includes but is not limited to providing educational resources, understanding treatment options, and protecting patient privacy. Natural language processing (NLP) technology is being used to analyze patient call data to help healthcare organizations identify and address patient challenges and barriers.
The future of telemedicine and data analytics
Technologies such as remote health monitoring, digital health tools (mHealth), and patient personal platforms are maturing in the market, but smart healthcare is still struggling to integrate AI/ML to improve patient outcomes with predictive analytics. In addition, data analytics can be used to optimize the use of co-pay plans to help pharmaceutical companies plan patient compliance and move towards a direct-to-patient strategy.
The integration of technology in patient care is deepening. Emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning (ML) will not only make healthcare more personalized and effective. With the further development of data analytics technology, the healthcare system is expected to be more highly integrated with resources on the individual treatment journey to provide interchangeable integration services for all healthcare ecosystem participants, thereby improving overall and more desirable outcomes.
Zhang Xiangxin, General Manager of PatientsForce Caihong Health Group
