A physician formulates a treatment plan based on data in a patient’s electronic health record. An individual uses a portable heart rate monitor to record and send updates to a medical provider. A public health official reviews a community’s health statistics to manage and track infectious diseases.
All of these scenarios are examples of practices that can improve patient experiences and health care outcomes — and all of them rely on health informatics.
Health informatics refers to practices that combine the collection of data, the application of medical concepts and the use of information technology (IT) systems. Through the management and analysis of data, informatics is helping medical professionals assist those who need treatment, predict future health concerns and enhance the patient experience.
The benefits of informatics make it a valuable part of public health efforts. Programs that educate public health professionals — including those that lead to Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees — often include a focus on this important tool in supporting healthy communities.
The many ways health informatics can improve the patient experience is a key reason why many health care professionals have advocated for its increasing use. But what does improving the patient experience mean? And why is patient satisfaction so important in enhancing that experience and supporting a community’s well-being?
The patient experience encompasses a variety of factors — from the quality of communication to the timeliness of service — that determine whether those receiving medical treatment are satisfied with their care. The following aspects of health care can affect patient satisfaction:
Patients have multiple demands on their time. To accommodate their schedules while addressing their health care needs, they need conveniences such as quicker access to information and fewer requests to provide medical data.
Medical professionals can improve patient satisfaction by offering top-quality service. The following are some approaches that health care providers can take to provide this type of service:
Technology can play an important role in enhancing convenience and service for patients. Electronic devices can make it easier for patients to connect with their providers, such as to conduct appointments and share information remotely, and can thus simplify their treatment and preventive care plans.
A better patient experience can yield benefits for a broad range of individuals and groups, including:
Some positive effects associated with improving patient experiences include:
A 2022 research article examines the many impacts of improved patient experiences. The article, in the Journal of Patient Experience, notes that better experiences for patients lead to enhanced health outcomes, and those outcomes encourage continued compliance with long-term care recommendations.
The Journal of Patient Experience article also notes a correlation between better patient experiences and a decreased risk to individuals — and to health care providers and insurers — from medical errors. Accurate patient information and strong communication contribute to these experiences.
Better outcomes for hospital patients can lower the incidence of readmission, or returning for the same type of treatment shortly after being released, which can lead to decreased costs for the patient, provider and insurer. Additionally, improving patients’ experiences can enhance a provider’s reputation and encourage patient loyalty, contributing to increased revenue.
Informatics has a host of applications that can improve patient experiences — and provide the benefits that are associated with them. From providers’ use of voice dictation to update patient records to public health officials’ review of data to track epidemics, practices that use informatics can streamline processes and improve health.
Here are seven of the top benefits of health informatics and the tools and processes that rely on it.
Electronic health records (EHRs), which are digital versions of patient files, allow for easier and quicker storage and retrieval of information. Medical professionals can find health information for scheduling, treating and billing patients without going to a different area — or reaching out to another provider — and digging through paper files. Patients with digital access to their medical history can find comprehensive data in one location.
When patients and their health care providers can access medical data electronically, they can more easily track the patients’ information and identify potential problems. Having the ability to quickly measure patients’ vital signs ranging from blood sugar to heart rate without a doctor visit not only keeps patients updated on their health, it also encourages them to continue measuring their progress.
The data protections that digital tools such as cloud storage and protective software provide offer additional safeguards for patients’ information. This peace of mind can encourage patients to be more forthcoming when supplying the medical histories that can inform their diagnoses.
Another benefit of health informatics is its impact on health outcomes. Because the electronic storage of data allows for easier access by multiple medical providers, patients are more likely to receive the holistic care that encourages their overall well-being. Electronic data also is easier for public health officials to use in identifying and predicting medical issues that could affect the community.
Health informatics speeds the transmission of information between providers — and to their patients. This easy access to data facilitates quick diagnoses and lessens the risk of error, reducing the costs associated with mistakes related to patients’ treatment and safety.
Health informatics also can improve the patient experience by making providers more efficient. By having timely access to medical data, health care professionals can more quickly determine safe and effective treatment plans for their patients. Medical facilities also can streamline their processes for tracking care quality and safety.
Health care staff who can access all of a patient’s data electronically have a broader range of information to consider, making them more likely to prescribe a treatment plan that accommodates the patient’s medications and full health history. Digital systems also support the accurate collection of data and dispensing of prescriptions.
Health informatics offers a host of benefits associated with improving patient experiences. If you are interested in increasing patients’ satisfaction while also strengthening the health of your community, explore the Augusta University Online Master of Public Health degree program.
The program offers a concentration in health informatics, which teaches students about conducting research that informs strategies for community health. Students build their expertise and skills through a combination of coursework, research and internships. And, because its curriculum is largely online, the program can be a great fit for working professionals who are managing degree work alongside other commitments.
Explore how AU Online’s MPH program can help you achieve your career goals.
Recommended Readings
7 Health Informatics Careers for Master of Public Health Graduates
Biostatistics vs. Epidemiology: Key Topics in Public Health
Environmental Scientist: Salary, Job Description and Requirements
Sources:
Folio3, “Creative Ways to Increase Patient Satisfaction in Hospitals”
Frontiers in Public Health, “Health Informatics: Engaging Modern Healthcare Units: A Brief Overview”
Guideway Care, “What Is Patient Experience and Why Is the Concept So Important?”
Journal of Patient Experience, “Improved Patient Experience and Outcomes: Is Patient-Provider Concordance the Key?”
Medbridge, “Patient Satisfaction: Why It’s So Important and How to Improve It”
New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst, “Health Care 2030: The Coming Transformation”
OSP, “Everything You Should Know About Health Informatics”
StatPearls, “Informatics”
TechTarget, Health Informatics
WebMD Ignite, “How Is the Patient Experience Different From Patient Satisfaction?”
