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Communication is key to any kind of patient-health care provider relationship. Furthermore, it is essential in chronic disease management. Effective access to health care providers has recently been enabled by a great number of different online platforms. With the usage of AI, various apps, wearables, and online communication, the trends in contact with the patients are constantly changing and evolving. Let us take a look at some of the major trends in doctor-patient communication of today.

The evolving communication

The odds of online communication between patients and online health providers was significantly increased over the last couple of years. Although these trends are increasing, there are still some disparities related to communication through the means of digital, online platforms that have to be solved. Good medical care means effective communication between the patient and their health care provider. Without effective communication which is central, as well as the trust between the patient and the doctor, high-quality care is going to be impaired. Digital health care services providers have been working hard on making effective platforms that are digital and supported by quality services to offer flawless patient-doctor communication at any time of the day and regardless of the location.

Delivering information in a timely manner is another big trend in the current communication with the patients. The days of waiting for an appointment and the results of a fairly simple, routine control are coming to an end. With the ever-evolving means of communication and digital services, patients can receive information in a timely manner. Furthermore, by improving the overall speed of communication and data transfer, inbound calls are reduced and conversion of appointments is increased.

Means of communication between the patient and the doctor via text are slowly becoming more and more popular. Mobile devices have become an extension of our bodies and considering the fact that we always have them at our sides, communicating to health care providers via texts is fairly easy and effective.

Achieving maximum contact ability with the patients

Increasing the effective means of communication through online, digital platforms means increased conversion of medical appointments, exams, and treatments. Improved operational planning is, therefore, also increased. An online confirmation service used by digital health care providers can effectively manage/remember appointments.

So, what else are some of the benefits of achieving greater contact ability with the patients through the means of digital services? Well, for example, one of the main benefits is the better, more personal, and timely information delivered to the patient regarding their appointment, exam, etc. Furthermore, there is less dependence on personnel, and of course, that also means lighter equipment.

How does all this really work? Well, online health care providers and digital health care providers have worked hard in developing an effective system of simple, yet seamless communication between the patient and the customer services executive. A dialogue will start with a simple reminder of the patient's appointment. From there, the patient can trigger numerous other dialogues related to his treatment or control. For example, additional information can be presented to the patient regarding his/her schedule, treatment, appointments, questions can be answered almost immediately.

Safeguarding the health care of patients through preventive campaigns

Trends in communication with the patients are constantly developing. As we've mentioned above, timely communication is central to delivering a proper health care service. The preventive campaigns that are sent to the patients online via texts are there to remind the patients of check-ups and periodic examinations. This is one of the most effective ways of preventing chronic diseases from developing.

A preventive health assistant is essential for the service that allows for this kind of communication and preventive campaigns. Although a preventive health assistant app or service might seem a little too futuristic, it has actually been implemented in certain parts of the world such as Chile for example. So, what does this actually mean? Well, a health assistant in the digital form allows for a continuous dialogue with the patient through email. Through the uses of these services, you will be reminded of, for example, annual PAP control, mammography, prostate control for men over 50, and so on.

AI and patient communication

Artificial intelligence in healthcare is another new and major way of developing communication with patients. AI technology is capable of gathering and processing an enormous amount of data. From there, it is also capable of providing a well-defined output to the end-user. Deep learning, various language learning, and machine learning algorithms are some of the ways through which AI is able to process all of the health care provider's data. What is really the primary goal and aim of any health-related AI? Well, it is to analyze relationships between prevention or treatment techniques and patient outcomes.

Where exactly can AI be implemented when it comes to health care and trends in communication with the patients? AI programs and learning systems can be applied to diagnosis processes, treatments, and control processes, drug development but also personalized medicine and patient monitoring and care. Electronic health records or (EHR) are also crucial in the process of digitalization and information spread in the healthcare industry. The next step in communication with the patients, however, is to use AI to interpret the EHR and provide new information to physicians and patients. Primary care is also often frequently used area of health-related AI technologies.

To sum up

The world of healthcare is constantly changing and developing. Due to the recent global pandemic, the need for more effective, trendy means of communication with patients has skyrocketed. As you can see, with digital communication, texts, various platforms, and services provided by digital health care providers, the means of communication between the doctor and the patient are becoming more and more evolved, seamless, and effective.