Communicate Your Issues: Healthcare Messaging on Your Smartphone

Communicating in today’s technology-riddled world can be a hassle. Depending on factors like context, who is reaching out to whom, and whether a message comes from someone on Facebook or Instagram (even selling with Instagram reels) all determine the way in which one reads a message. It almost makes one want to never log on to their computer. This frustration in communicating with friends and family should not translate to important messages transmitted online, yet it appears that it does: only 7% of people provided with patient portals to receive healthcare-related messages will actually check them. 

So how do we fix this issue? The answer is closer than one might think—sitting in your pocket, on your desk, charging in the corner. There is high demand for the ability to communicate with healthcare providers using mobile devices, and it makes sense as a solution. It is a form of communication that both patient and physician are already familiar with. Patients use their mobile devices to communicate with family and friends and physicians use theirs in the professional (as well as personal) context to consult with other physicians. 

By implementing omnichannel communication in the healthcare world, office time is saved. Matters such as cancelling appointments or sending reminders to get prescriptions filled can be resolved with mere sentences instead of with lengthy phone calls. Having a transcript of communications also allows for less chance of miscommunication between patient and physician, thus preventing malpractice due to unclear information from either party. Thus far, studies testing mobile messaging to patients have proven to have higher effectiveness than previous forms of communication. It promises a lot of potential in the health and wellbeing of people all over the world.  SMS messaging is also of critical importance. Wellbeing apps may be the way to go.

There are many exciting advantages and applications for omnichannel communication in healthcare messaging. More of the specific statistics and information on this method can be found in this graphic: