The CMS considers patient engagement a quality metric for a learning healthcare system.
● Patient engagement is a major focal point of stage 2 MU of HER.
● Patient Engagement in Health and Health Care Framework by Carman et al. presents different forms and levels of patient engagement across the healthcare system.
● Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care recognizes the vital role families play by providing emotional, social, and developmental support, ensuring the health and well-being of all family members
● The Level of Engagement with Health Care framework considers the engagement, quality, and safety of mobile apps. Clinicians can identify trustworthy apps that serve the engagement of high-need, high-cost populations.
Consider content covered in chapter 5 concerning policy changes in the United States and the strategic plan needed to improve care and drive down cost through health information technology. Give at least 3 examples of an information technology policy change that has supported patient engagement.
Full Answer Section
Meaningful Use Stage 3 and Interoperability Bonus:
- Policy Change: The Meaningful Use program incentivized healthcare providers to adopt and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) by tying financial rewards to specific functionalities. Stage 3 focused on patient engagement features like secure messaging, online appointment scheduling, and medication refill requests. The Interoperability Bonus further encouraged data exchange between healthcare systems.
- Patient Engagement Impact: These policies facilitated easier communication with providers, online bill payments, and access to personal health records, empowering patients to manage their care more actively. Interoperability enables them to seamlessly share their medical information across different providers and settings, promoting continuity of care.
- Challenges: User-friendliness of patient portals and interoperability implementation vary across providers. Continued focus on patient-centered design and robust data exchange infrastructures is necessary.
3. Medicare and CHIP Access Act for Telehealth:
- Policy Change: The Medicare and CHIP Access Act of 2018 expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services, making them more accessible to beneficiaries living in rural areas or facing transportation challenges.
- Patient Engagement Impact: Increased access to telehealth removes geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with providers conveniently from their homes. This can address chronic disease management, mental health needs, and medication adherence for conditions where frequent in-person consultations might be impractical.
- Challenges: Digital literacy disparities, lack of broadband access in some areas, and potential for misdiagnosis in certain situations require careful consideration and targeted solutions.
These are just a few examples, and the landscape of IT-driven patient engagement policies is constantly evolving. Future policies might focus on integrating wearables and personalized health apps, secure data sharing tools, and AI-powered decision support systems to further empower patients and personalize their care journeys.
Remember, while information technology holds immense potential for enhancing patient engagement, its effectiveness relies on thoughtful implementation, user-centered design, and addressing existing disparities in access and digital literacy.
Sample Answer
Based on the chapter on policy changes and your provided context, here are 3 examples of information technology policy changes that have supported patient engagement:
1. Open Notes Initiative:
- Policy Change: In 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule requiring that patients have electronic access to their full medical records, including physician notes.
- Patient Engagement Impact: This policy empowers patients to be more informed participants in their own care. They can review diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress notes, leading to better understanding, communication with providers, and potential medication adherence improvement.
- Challenges: Some concerns around privacy and misinterpretation of medical terminology exist. Addressing these through educational resources and clear communication protocols is crucial.