In recent years, technology has changed how healthcare is delivered, especially in how patients interact with medical services. For medical administrators, owners, and IT managers, it is important to understand how technology can help improve health literacy among different populations. This understanding can enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Health literacy is important for effective patient engagement, especially in treating chronic diseases. Patients who understand their health and treatments are more likely to take an active role in their care. These patients can communicate better with healthcare providers, make informed choices, and manage their health more effectively.
Dr. Teresa Wagner’s work emphasizes the need for health literacy in underserved and rural areas. Her research shows that improving health knowledge can help reduce health disparities. Community health workers (CHWs) play a key role in sharing health information and guiding patients. By training CHWs, healthcare groups can build community ties and improve health literacy.
With the rise of mobile health applications (mHealth apps), healthcare providers have more tools to engage patients and manage health literacy. A search found 1,046 patient-facing health applications. However, only 43% were on iOS and 27% on Android that were considered potentially useful for patient engagement. Despite the number of apps, many do not meet quality and safety standards, and less than half seem beneficial.
For administrators and IT managers, it is crucial to assess which apps to endorse or implement. A framework from a recent study looked at app usefulness based on factors like relevance, consumer ratings, and update frequency. This ensures that healthcare organizations focus resources on effective technology while looking out for any issues that poor apps may create.
Diverse patient populations present challenges for health literacy. Factors such as income, education, and culture affect how health information is shared and understood. Therefore, adapting technology to meet various needs is necessary for effective patient engagement.
Mobile health apps can help bridge these gaps, especially for high-need, high-cost patients. Some research shows that apps with social support features, like “7 Cups of Tea,” which connects users with trained listeners, can significantly enhance patient engagement. This approach provides emotional support through technology, which can help improve health literacy among diverse groups.
On the other hand, some apps, like the T2 Mood Tracker, were flagged for safety issues. The app did not offer enough guidance for users reporting serious symptoms. This highlights the need for thorough safety evaluations and user feedback during app development to ensure they are effective without risking patient safety.
While technology offers many possibilities, barriers still exist. Low health literacy, limited access to mobile devices among older adults, and varying levels of digital skills can affect the success of mHealth efforts. Reports indicate that only 27% of older adults own smartphones, which limits their access to health apps.
Moreover, not involving patients in developing these applications can affect their relevance. Incorporating patient feedback in app design can boost user acceptance and improve health outcomes. Medical practice administrators need to address these barriers and work with patients to create more suitable applications.
To measure the effectiveness of health-related technology, healthcare organizations should go beyond download numbers and usage rates. They need to create metrics to evaluate patient engagement and health literacy impact. For example, tracking how consistently patients use apps, their interaction levels with health professionals, and changes in managing chronic diseases can provide valuable information on effectiveness.
By using a structured framework, healthcare administrators can assess the quality and functionality of health apps. They can identify which apps engage patients across different demographics. Focusing on helping high-need populations can uncover apps that support better health practices and reduce hospital readmissions.
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can change how patients engage with technology. AI can analyze patient data to customize health messages and app functions based on specific needs. Machine learning algorithms can also help identify high-risk patients who may benefit from focused interventions.
For example, AI-driven chatbots can offer immediate support and guidance to patients with health issues. These tools can address communication challenges, especially for those with low health literacy. This is particularly beneficial for underserved groups who often face more barriers in understanding medical information.
Additionally, AI can improve workflow automation in healthcare, allowing staff to focus more on patient care instead of routine tasks. For instance, using AI to automate appointment scheduling and follow-up reminders can lead to better patient participation, which can result in improved attendance rates and quality of care.
Combining AI-driven platforms with existing health literacy initiatives can create a system where technology aids both patient education and operational efficiency. Training staff to use these technologies effectively can increase user acceptance and satisfaction.
Collaboration across organizations is crucial to enhancing health literacy. Initiatives like Dr. Wagner’s health literacy collaborative involve various stakeholders, including healthcare providers and community organizations. Such collaborations allow for sharing resources to develop comprehensive health literacy programs tailored to different populations.
Involving community health workers in these efforts can help connect healthcare organizations with patients who may feel alienated. Building partnerships that support CHWs can lead to informed discussions, helping them serve as links between patients and healthcare providers.
Moreover, using data analytics to understand the served population can improve outreach efforts. Identifying specific health literacy trends in local areas can help healthcare organizations create tailored educational resources that relate to different cultures and communities.
While the growing use of technology in healthcare presents many opportunities, it requires careful evaluation and intentional implementation. By assessing mobile health applications, incorporating patient feedback, and using AI to enhance engagement, healthcare organizations can improve health literacy among varied populations. Fostering collaborative networks will strengthen these efforts and lead to better health outcomes, benefiting communities across the country. By focusing on these areas, medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers can contribute to a healthier future for all patients.
Dr. Teresa Wagner serves as the Director of the UNTHSC State Certified Community Health Worker Training Center and is an Associate Professor in Health Administration & Health Policy.
Dr. Wagner holds a doctorate in public health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, a BS in dietetics from Texas Christian University, and an MS in nutrition from Texas Woman’s University.
Her research focuses on improving health literacy and alleviating health disparities in underserved and rural communities.
She has developed various programs and apps aimed at enhancing health literacy and patient safety while mentoring students in this area.
Her awards include the Texas Health Literacy Hero Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Christian University.
Dr. Wagner views CHWs as vital conduits for improving health literacy in communities, particularly for underserved populations.
Her research addresses chronic diseases, opioid misuse, and patient safety, aiming to bridge health disparities in rural Texas.
She has established a multi-stakeholder health literacy collaborative with organizations like the DFW Hospital Council Foundation and Health Literacy Texas.
Her research has received grants from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Her goal is to advance health literacy both locally and globally, developing interventions that improve communication and health outcomes.
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