Chief Healthcare Executive’s five most popular stories on the patient experience in 2021

Healthcare organizations face growing challenges in meeting the needs of their patients, beyond just caring for their illnesses and injuries.

Over the past year, Chief Healthcare Executive focused on how hospitals, doctors and health organizations are striving to serve patients in a tumultuous time. Some challenges have existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but some lessons learned from the pandemic could have broader application in the years to come.

Take a look at the most-read stories on the patient experience over the past year. CHE will continue to examine how the healthcare industry is serving patients in 2022.

This is the final installment of our six-day series celebrating our most popular stories and features of the new year.

5. Patients with cancer prefer telemedicine to in-person visits; satisfaction is the same

Telemedicine surged in prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely out of necessity. But a survey indicated cancer patients were satisfied with the telemedicine option. Patients who had a telemedicine visit that included video conferencing were more satisfied. In comparison, patients who had a telephone-only appointment were more likely to say they would benefit from an in-person visit.

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4. Jim Adams discusses using big data successfully to care for patients

Gathering and having access to an enormous amount of data isn’t the most important thing, said Jim Adams, chief innovation officer, AllianceRx Walgreens Prime. Using that data at the time of need to influence care choices is crucial, he explained. “It's how do you get big data down to a data point that's on a single pane of glass so that you can take care of a patient the way that they deserve,” he said.

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3. Making the case for automated patient engagement

Automated patient engagement technology can streamline communications without excessive costs and implementation challenges, said Vik Krishnan, general manager of Intrado Digital Workflows. Just as importantly, healthcare providers can do it without losing the "human touch." In fact, healthcare leaders said moving to more automated technology is needed to improve patient satisfaction.

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2. Give American seniors the option to choose home after a hospital discharge

Healthcare needs to adapt so Medicare beneficiaries can select the care setting that’s most appropriate for their health, safety and quality of life after a hospitalization. Steven Landers, president and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, and Craig Mandeville, founder and CEO of Forcura, wrote that lawmakers need to act enable more people to receive care at home.

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1. Phone calls to marginalized patients increase likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine

A team of investigators from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill used analytics to identify and contact patients who could benefit from outreach about the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on feedback from patients, the calls aided them in their decision to receive the vaccination. The calls also helped identify patients with unmet clinical or social needs.

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Chief Healthcare Executive wishes all of our readers a happy and healthy new year.