Why Digital Health is Vital
At one time, many of the digital health services that this initiative will create or enhance may have seemed like extras. But that is no longer the case.
Patients expect us to be responsive to their personal needs, schedules and lifestyles; "one-size-fits-all" care is not a solution.
Providing these services is essential to our growth and to engaging with patients.
What a Digital Health Initiative Can Do
These digital health initiatives will enable growth and allow us to:
- Develop an additional access point
- Engage new consumers
- Eliminate geographic boundaries and extend our service areas
- Establish or reinforce consumer-focused brand attributes such as convenience, reliability, accessibility, affordability and transparency
These digital health initiatives will enable us to better engage with our patients and communities. They will:
- Strengthen relationships with patients and communities
- Allow for more personalized service capabilities at all touchpoints
- Be mindful of health equity concerns and recognize the diversity of our target audience
Why Now?
The healthcare landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years. We don't want to just keep up with change; we want to get ahead of it.
Launching a Digital Health Strategy is a line item of the Access to Care strategic priority, one of the seven priorities of the Strategic Framework adopted by the UMMS Board of Directors in January 2021.
The Digitally Empowered Healthcare Consumer
Nearly 60% of consumers research online when searching for a new provider, most commonly consulting healthcare organizations' websites.
Nearly 70% of consumers rate online appointments as extremely, very, or somewhat important. 40% prefer to book via online channels — an increase of 15% in the past five years).
83% of consumers rate appointment availability as extremely or very important when selecting a provider.
Factors That Impact the Consumer Experience
- Ability to obtain timely care (appointment accessibility)
- Clinical expertise (reviews, reputation, expertise in conditions)
- Convenience (location, online appointments, virtual visits)
- Cost (insurance, in-network, transparency)