3 Lessons in Digital Patient Engagement from Healthcare’s ‘Most Wired’ Organizations

 Digital patient engagement in healthcare involves strategically allocating resources to create positive experiences. The Accenture survey highlights the impact of digital engagement on patient retention, prompting health systems to design tools and experiences that foster loyalty and revenue growth. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) notes the transformative role of digital health in revitalizing healthcare. The CHIME Most Wired survey reveals a surge in mobile functionalities used by health systems, correlating with improved survey scores. For instance, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital's consolidation of digital services into a mobile app boosted its Most Wired score. There's also a trend toward digital interactions between patients and staff, with health systems focusing on training and technology adoption to enhance care. Moreover, the use of patient- and family-facing videos for education has risen significantly. Health systems are leveraging digital platforms to personalize the patient experience, targeting specific groups with tailored resources. Achieving effective digital engagement requires a patient-centric approach that aligns with consumer expectations and streamlines the care journey without burdening the health system. Learning from the experiences of Most Wired participants and award winners can inform the development of successful digital strategies in healthcare.