Why Community Engagement is Essential for Connected Health

Community Engagement and Connected Health: Why It Matters

As advancements in technology continue to reshape the healthcare industry, the need to address patient-centric healthcare models has become increasingly crucial. With the significant rise of chronic and complex illnesses, healthcare systems should prioritize understanding how the community can play an essential role in optimizing health outcomes.

The concept of connected health, encompassing several technological solutions and the delivery of healthcare services, including telehealth, wearables, and remote monitoring, has the potential to empower patients with chronic illnesses to manage their health better and make informed decisions. However, to improve the effectiveness of connected health initiatives, companies, healthcare providers, and policymakers must consider community engagement programs.

So, why is community engagement crucial for connected healthcare?

Improved Health Outcomes:

Through engaging the community in connected health solutions, healthcare stakeholders can work to create unified goals and collectively address health concerns. The insights gathered from community engagement can give providers a more comprehensive view of the health issues faced by individuals and help deliver healthier outcomes through customized and targeted interventions. By leveraging community involvement, patients can have more control over their healthcare journey and be more proactive about their health needs.

Reduced Healthcare Costs:

The traditional model of healthcare focuses primarily on reactive care and can lead to rising healthcare costs. But by incorporating community engagement programs, healthcare providers can promote preventive care by enhancing health literacy and better tailored health education programs. This shift to preventative care can help reduce healthcare costs and create a more sustainable healthcare system that can focus on a cost-effective and quality care model.

Greater Patient and Community Participation:

Community members and patients expect greater participation and transparency in healthcare delivery. Engagements with community members create opportunities for patients to express their preferences, views, and values, enabling healthcare providers to deliver better-targeted interventions that satisfactorily address patient needs. Engaging the community creates mutual trust and respect between the patients and healthcare providers, allowing for more active participation in the health journey.

Case Studies:

In 2018, Philips Healthcare launched an initiative, “5 Million Futures,” to promote healthy living and improve access to care in underserved communities. The program aimed to deliver ultrasound and other diagnostic solutions to health facilities with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The project included a comprehensive approach to community engagement, including partnering with local authorities, church representatives, and community groups to mobilize support for the program.

Another successful initiative promoting patient and community participation through connected health solutions is the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in the United States. The program aims to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modification and education. The DPP engaged numerous diverse communities throughout the U.S., resulting in effective patient engagement and satisfaction in care delivery.

Conclusion:

Community engagement is crucial in creating a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop community engagement programs when designing connected health technology solutions to promote participatory care and improved outcomes. Ultimately, leveraging community resources can reduce healthcare disparities and ensure better coverage of care delivery in underserved communities while promoting cost-effective and quality care models.

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