Digital patient education: Why it pays to switch from sheets of paper to digital tools
Digitalization has revolutionized many industries, and the healthcare industry is no exception. The introduction of digital patient education has not only simplified the process of transmitting information, but has also offered numerous advantages over traditional paper forms. When patients use their own smartphones for education, these benefits can be further reinforced.
cost savings
A major advantage of an optimized practice workflow through digital education on your own smartphone is that it saves time. By using digital forms, patients can enter their information faster and more precisely, which results in faster processing of the check-in process. This in turn contributes to a more efficient use of practice resources and thus to cost savings.
In addition, paper and printing costs can be drastically reduced by using digital education. In contrast to purchased or printed paper forms, a digital solution can be used an unlimited number of times, which contributes to further cost savings, especially against the backdrop of rising paper prices. According to the Federal Statistical Office, paper costs rose by around 30% in 2022 alone. Experience has shown that our customers' cost savings are in the five-digit range.
GDPR compliance
Digital tools make it possible to store and process patient-related data in a way that complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means that you can ensure that your patients' privacy is protected and that you avoid legal consequences.
workflow optimization
An important aspect is that the patient's smartphone is usually already firmly integrated into everyday life and is easily accessible. This means that the patient can provide information directly before treatment, instead of spending extra time in the waiting room. This can lead to faster processing of the treatment process and thus optimize the practice workflow. With our unique digital waiting room, you can maximize these benefits and directly identify potential at-risk patients.
In addition, greater flexibility and mobility can be achieved in everyday practice by using your own smartphone. Patients can carry out their education at any time and anywhere without having to rely on a permanently installed device. This can be particularly advantageous in the event of unforeseen postponements or waiting times.
legal certainty
Digital patient education on your own smartphone also guarantees greater legal certainty. Since patients can give their signature directly on the device, an electronic signature can be used, which is legally binding. Digital education enables legally secure archiving, which can be retrieved at any time when required. At the same time, the documents are protected against loss or destruction compared to paper forms.
Flexible adjustment
There are few industries that are changing as fast as medicine. From new investigation techniques, guideline recommendations to amended legislation, adjustments remain unavoidable, even in education. Through our unique Content Management System Is it possible to insert new content and languages at no additional cost. These flexible customization options in the content management system are an important part of successful quality management (QM) in a practice. Regular updates and adjustments to patient education can ensure that all relevant information is always up to date and meets current legal requirements. Effective quality control helps the practice maintain its high standards and provides patients with the best possible care.
digital archiving
With digital tools, patient information can be easily archived into the practice IT system. This makes it possible to find and manage all necessary information quickly and easily, which increases efficiency and saves time. Everything stays in the usual location, as we store the documents directly in your PVS/RIS, so you don't need any additional software to archive/view the documents.
sanitation
Passing sheets of paper from patients to staff and transporting them throughout the practice can pose a hygiene problem — particularly in medical facilities. Digital tools make it possible to avoid the transmission of pathogens and create a more hygienic environment. In addition, pens no longer need to be provided, which makes cleaning and disinfecting the practice easier.
Inclusion
By being able to easily offer various foreign languages and easy language, digital education can be an important contribution to promoting inclusion. This is particularly beneficial for patients with a non-German mother tongue, as this gives them a better understanding of what to expect during treatment and how they can best protect their health. Digital education therefore not only saves costs, but also contributes to promoting inclusion.
important: Inclusive projects are eligible for funding in many German cities! We will support you in submitting your application and, if necessary, help you to use the InformMe platform free of charge for several years. Get in touch now!
Why use your own mobile phone and not tablets?
A major advantage of using your own smartphone is higher patient participation and motivation compared to devices provided by practice. Since the smartphone is a familiar device for many people, older patients in particular feel more comfortable with it and are ready to actively participate in digital education. The practice does not incur any additional costs, as no new devices have to be purchased, maintained and, if necessary, replaced. The annoying disinfection of the practice's own tablets is also unnecessary when using your own smartphone.
Find out more about the benefits of our smartphone-based solution here.