I was standing in line at the airport a few days ago and it occurred to me after the gate agent referred the standby passengers to their smartphones to see their seat assignments how much technology has changed the airline boarding process. I recalled the days of being frantically taken down the jet way while the seats were being counted for the final time. My career has allowed me to invest more than a few years learning business processes within the airline business and the healthcare business so I can’t help but compare the two. So I decided to envision a world where patients are as proactive about their healthcare as travelers are about the seat assignment.
- I want to see all my test results all together in one place with interactive trending for key measures with text messages or emails to remind me early and often that my appointment requiring blood work is inching closer and closer (so I better get to the lab soon).
- I would like to see a survey after every visit … no further explanation needed, right?
- I would love to see the quality and on-time ratings for my M.D.? This is becoming more accessible for hospitals, but I wonder how current these are (and knowing what I know, I would also really like to understand the processes used to compile them).
- I would like to be rewarded for being engaged … maybe there could be a rating system where I get priority movement out of the waiting room into the exam room because I completed all my required tests on time? Or a discount for me and my insurance company / employer if I am a good engaged patient?
- And, last, why do I have to see the doctor if my test results are within range anyway? The airline even lets me talk to the computer or smartphone for free!
On a more serious note, we are on the cusp of transforming patient experience through Health IT and Perficient can help using technologies such as Oracle WebCenter, Oracle SOA and BPM, along with a variety of analytic solutions. Visit us at our booth #1555 and #1851 at HIMSS 2013 to view our patient portal demo!
