By: Mallory Doppmann, Sr Account Executive In today's healthcare ecosystem, patients face a growing…
Effects of Leveraging The Power of SMS Messaging
Over 292 million US smartphone users can be engaged with tailored education and reminders by leveraging the power of SMS messaging. Providing an easy-to-use channel allows for a low-pressure way to reach out to patients—who will benefit from greater convenience when responding as well as enhanced follow-through on appointments due to improved patient experiences overall.
For instance, SMS messaging also allows healthcare providers to inform and educate patients on their own terms with valuable reminders—leading not only to more appointments but increased commitment from end-users as well.
Vaccination rates are known to be improved when patients receive SMS reminders
Millions of US patients are missing out on the crucial health benefits that come with preventative vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to potentially dangerous illnesses. McKinsey Healthcare Research & Quality has identified “25-35% of patient vaccinations are not up to date in the US.”
With preventative vaccinations providing immense benefits to individuals and the public health sector, the challenge of vaccine uptake remains in the US. To bridge this gap, SMS-based patient reminders prove an effective tool for connecting with millions of patients—educating them on positive benefits while also highlighting available vaccines during the COVID-19.
Automated patient outreach provides organizations with the means to rapidly reach individuals about preventative healthcare measures, ultimately proving beneficial in protecting millions of individuals who may go unprotected otherwise.
Automated patient engagement can play an essential role in revolutionizing vaccine uptake.
According to an article from Intrado, vaccine makers and providers should leverage automated patient engagement strategies to help promote vaccine uptake. Not only does this provide mass distribution of educational materials, as recommended by the CDC, but it also leverages digital technologies such as SMS messaging for successful engagement with patients. Working together with healthcare professionals is key to preserving public health—utilizing automated patient engagement can serve a crucial role in helping reach that goal.
The CDC agrees that this multi-prong approach is essential for overall public safety that includes sharing educational materials with patients:
“…educational materials are intended to complement personal education and advice from the healthcare provider. Informed patients, working together with their healthcare providers, are the key players in keeping themselves and their children healthy and protecting the health of the public.”
Benefits of Automated Vaccine Campaigns to Patients
Automated vaccine campaigns provide a convenient, low-pressure way for patients to stay up-to-date with their medical information. Patients can receive education and find resources directly on their phones through text messages or other channels they prefer. Vaccination reminders also encourage individuals to stick to care plans while providing options within the texts that make it easy for them to book appointments without hassle—ultimately reducing no-shows.
Benefits of Automated Vaccine Campaigns to Makers and Providers
Automated vaccine campaigns give vaccine makers and providers an edge up when it comes to patient engagement. Through digital outreach at scale, they can reduce the communications burden on staff while supplementing provider-led initiatives with education aimed at combatting hesitancy surrounding vaccinations.
Plus, these automated reminders further ensure that patients follow through with their care plan by decreasing no-shows and promoting the uptake of multiple doses within a series—setting them up for optimum health outcomes in no time.