Understanding the Benefits of Unified Platforms in Healthcare Management for Improved Patient Engagement

Many healthcare groups in the U.S. still use many separate systems. These include different Electronic Health Records (EHRs), separate referral tools, and communication apps that do not connect. Hospitals and clinics face problems like late patient referrals, incomplete patient data, repeated tests, slow workflows, and errors in communication between providers.

For example, at Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) in Oklahoma, using five to seven different medical record systems caused confusion. Doctors often did not have access to important patient information like specialist notes or primary care details. This led to delays and slow care. To fix this, CCMH switched to MEDITECH Expanse, a cloud-based unified EHR platform that makes one patient record shared by all care providers. Using Expanse, CCMH staff could see real-time data in one place, reduce repeated tests, make care safer, and make faster decisions.

This case at CCMH shows that using many separate systems can make healthcare worse. Unified platforms give a clear, complete view of patient care.

Features of Unified Healthcare Platforms

Unified platforms bring together healthcare data from many areas and show it in one place. This helps care teams see and manage patient information better. Here are some main features these platforms offer:

  • Integrated Patient Records: Combining clinical data like medicines, allergies, test results, and visit histories into one record lowers errors and repeated tests. This helps make safer and faster decisions.
  • Referral Management: Electronic referral systems automate communication between referring doctors and specialists. This cuts wait times and mistakes. Automation also lowers paperwork, helping patients move smoothly between care points.
  • Care Coordination: By collecting data from EHRs and other systems, these platforms let care teams work together better, even if they are in different places. Care plans also include social factors and use personalized methods.
  • Patient Engagement Tools: Patient portals and apps work all the time so patients can see their records, test results, schedules, and educational materials. This helps patients take part in their own care.
  • Data Analytics and Reporting: Advanced tools look at patient trends and operations. They give staff useful information to improve care and control costs.
  • Compliance and Security: These platforms meet HIPAA and other laws in the U.S. They keep patient data private and secure.

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Leading Unified Platforms Impacting U.S. Healthcare Management

Some platforms stand out for helping healthcare management and patient engagement. They address common problems in U.S. healthcare organizations.

Salesforce Health Cloud

Salesforce Health Cloud is a cloud platform that joins patient data using social, mobile, and cloud tools. It connects with Electronic Health Records and gives a full view of each patient to help deliver personal care. It follows HIPAA rules and other standards like HL7 FHIR, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and GDPR.

The platform makes patient referrals and care coordination faster. AI workflows, like its Agentforce, automate tasks such as appointment scheduling, benefits checks, and disease tracking. This reduces work for healthcare staff and helps patients get care faster.

Tom MacMillan, CIO of EmblemHealth, said Salesforce helped “break down barriers” by bringing staff together on one platform, making care more connected. Dr. Alastair Mackinlay from Barwon Health noted its patient-focused tech that respects patient needs.

Its care plans include social factors important for fair health results. Call centers get summaries of important patient info, making conversations easier and cutting missed appointments.

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare uses Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and AI tools like Dragon Medical SpeechKit. It helps healthcare groups by giving united patient views, virtual visits, and coordinated care management.

Azure Health Data Services collects clinical and operational data to support joined workflows and advanced analysis. Tools like Text Analytics for Health find useful details from medical records to help make quick, smart decisions.

The platform supports telehealth with Microsoft Teams for virtual visits and shares up-to-date patient records in real time.

Security and rules compliance are important in this system. It gives strong control over patient data. AI helps with tasks like medical image sorting and pathology checks, which help with better and faster diagnoses.

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MEDITECH Expanse

MEDITECH Expanse is a cloud-based Electronic Health Record platform used by places like Comanche County Memorial Hospital to replace separate old systems. It makes one shared patient record that can be used in the hospital and clinics.

Expanse helps doctors with real-time data from many sources. It uses AI and support tools to spot small changes in patient health and offer advice based on evidence.

Patients can use simple portals and mobile apps to see test results, visit summaries, medicines, and health resources. These tools help patients be more involved in their care.

Expanse also helps with running the hospital by handling revenue cycles, inventory, and interactive dashboards. This makes things more efficient and controls costs.

Helen Waters, MEDITECH Executive Vice President, said Expanse stays flexible and works well with other EHR systems. This helps providers adapt quickly to patient needs and industry rules.

AI and Automation in Healthcare Management: Enhancing Workflows and Patient Engagement

Using artificial intelligence (AI) and automation with unified healthcare platforms has become a key way to reduce administrative work and support clinical care. In the U.S., healthcare leaders and IT teams focus on these tools to improve how care is run and how patients communicate.

AI-Powered Workflow Automation

AI tools can handle many routine tasks like scheduling, referrals, and benefits checks. For example, Salesforce’s Agentforce uses smart automation to cut manual work, speed up access to care, and let staff focus more on patients than paperwork.

Automation also speeds up insurance steps and authorizations. This lowers costs and gets patients care faster. AI in call centers helps by pulling real-time patient data and customizing communication based on history and preferences.

AI-powered data analysis gives early warnings about patient risks by finding patterns in health records. This helps doctors act sooner and reduce hospital returns.

AI for Patient Engagement and Virtual Care

Automated referral systems and unified patient portals keep patients informed with appointment reminders, learning materials, and care updates. These tools improve clear and steady communication, which helps patients stay in treatment and be satisfied.

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare uses AI-powered speech and note tools like Dragon Medical SpeechKit. This helps doctors save time writing records during virtual visits and spend more time with patients.

AI models that analyze medical images help radiologists and doctors give faster and more accurate diagnoses, which helps patients get treated sooner.

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Benefits of Unified Platforms for U.S. Healthcare Practices

  • Improved Patient Safety: Unified patient records lower repeated tests, errors, and delays.
  • Efficient Referral Processes: Automated workflows speed up referrals and reduce cancellations.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement: Portals and tools increase openness and teamwork with patients.
  • Streamlined Operations: Combining clinical and office tasks saves time and cuts costs.
  • Better Compliance and Security: These platforms follow healthcare laws and keep data safe.
  • Greater Agility: Cloud systems like MEDITECH Expanse help organizations quickly change care plans or rules.
  • Support for Care Coordination: Shared data helps teams work together and manage social health factors.

Final Thoughts

Unified platforms are needed in the U.S. healthcare system to reduce broken links and deliver steady, patient-focused care. Medical practice leaders and IT staff facing growing complexity benefit from these systems that merge data, automate tasks, and improve communication.

Using platforms like Salesforce Health Cloud, Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, and MEDITECH Expanse helps healthcare groups give better clinical results. They also help patients take a bigger part in their care. This fits with national goals to improve quality and efficiency in healthcare.

AI and automation tools inside these platforms further improve operations and patient participation. Unified platforms are a practical solution for healthcare providers dealing with today’s challenges and future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of Salesforce Health Cloud in streamlining patient referrals?

Salesforce Health Cloud plays a pivotal role in streamlining patient referrals by providing a unified platform that enhances communication and coordination among healthcare providers, facilitating quicker and more efficient referrals.

How does referral management automation impact care coordination?

Referral management automation optimizes care coordination by reducing delays, minimizing errors, and improving patient tracking, thus enhancing overall patient experience and outcomes.

What are the benefits of using Salesforce for healthcare management?

Using Salesforce for healthcare management offers benefits such as improved data integration, better patient engagement, enhanced reporting capabilities, and ultimately, streamlined operations that boost efficiency.

What technology underpins Salesforce Health Cloud?

Salesforce Health Cloud is underpinned by robust cloud technology and data analytics, which provide healthcare organizations with the tools to manage patient relationships and referrals effectively.

How do automated referral systems facilitate patient engagement?

Automated referral systems facilitate patient engagement by providing patients with timely updates, appointment reminders, and educational resources, fostering a more collaborative care experience.

What challenges do healthcare organizations face without referral management automation?

Without referral management automation, healthcare organizations face challenges such as fragmented communication, increased wait times for patients, and a higher likelihood of referral errors.

What metrics can be improved by implementing Salesforce Health Cloud?

Implementing Salesforce Health Cloud can improve metrics related to referral turnaround times, patient satisfaction scores, and operational efficiency within the healthcare provider network.

How can referral management automation help reduce operational costs?

Referral management automation can reduce operational costs by streamlining workflows, minimizing unnecessary paperwork, and decreasing administrative burdens on healthcare staff.

What is the significance of data analytics in Salesforce Health Cloud?

Data analytics in Salesforce Health Cloud is significant because it enables healthcare providers to gain insights into patient behaviors, track referral patterns, and make data-driven decisions for better care delivery.

How does Salesforce Health Cloud ensure compliance in healthcare settings?

Salesforce Health Cloud ensures compliance in healthcare settings by incorporating features that adhere to regulatory standards, providing secure data management, and maintaining patient privacy.