The importance of providing a care navigation platform.
2020 has been a technology-driven year, with the rise of healthcare apps, telemedicine, and AI-powered devices. 2021 will be no different. It can be a little intimidating and challenging to navigate, especially for parts of the population who are less used to new technologies.
Moreover, with the rampant spread of a new virus, it has become clear that the public needs expert guidance around the healthcare system through healthcare navigators. Here are some of the benefits a care navigation platform can have on patients, companies, and society.
1. Improved Quality of Care
According to surveys, the work done by healthcare navigators caused a decline of emergency admissions by 6% and hospital admissions by 8%. Improved quality of healthcare can also be seen in the declining need for emergency interventions to patients.
Unlike traditional health professionals, healthcare navigators have a patient-centered approach, which allows them to interact with patients on an emotional level. Thus, resulting in a proactive and well-informed patient or consumer.
2. Reduced Patient Expenses
A care navigation platform with knowledgeable individuals to guide patients to high-value care helps them not to lose money on treatments and therapies that they do not need. They can clearly communicate with their healthcare provider and be given all the options available to them, making their payment worthwhile.
A better understanding of their diagnosis allows them to make sound decisions regarding their healthcare needs. Thus, resulting in less treatment mismanagement and medical services costs.
Moreover, surveys suggested that healthcare navigators and a care navigation platform help reduce patient costs by $781.29 per patient per quarter in the cancer department alone.
3. A Surge in Healthcare Organization's Customer Satisfaction
Navigators have also helped healthcare organizations lower their expenses and even up their return on investment by 1:10.
They greatly contributed to these organizations' improvement, especially when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.
The presence and skills of a healthcare navigator make health companies more trusting and credible. Their transparency to customers and patient-centered approach make for a more amicable relationship with consumers and beneficiaries.
4. Removed Disparities in Healthcare
Despite living in the 21st century, health disparities (race, ethnicity, gender, age, and socio-economic standing) still hinder access to quality healthcare and medical services.
A care navigation platform with healthcare navigators, especially those working within their local environment, can bridge the gap between social minorities and the healthcare system. Some of the factors that prevent people from their right to quality health service include:
All the individuals mentioned above can get individualized help from their local healthcare navigator--from pre-diagnosis to treatment and follow up appointments.
The presence of a trusted healthcare navigator can:
- Prevent the development of diseases through early detection.
- Get the patient easy access to healthcare services and even the coordination of healthcare professionals.
- Help them get the best health insurance coverage, its continuity, and when to use it.
- Help patients build their lost trust and respect for the healthcare system.
Care navigation is crucial to lowering healthcare costs and having a happier, healthier team.
