U.S. hospital execs point to text communication, behavioural nudges as patient engagement strategies

Leaders from Dignity Health and UC San Diego Health identified key elements of digital patient engagement, indicating patient portals aren't enough. Dignity Health offers a wayfinding tool, text communication, video visits and digital therapeutics. It also has a pregnancy app that allows users to track milestones, pinpoint symptoms and connect to services such as nurse support. UC San Diego Health says the number one barrier to engaging patients digitally is culture and believes behavioural change will occur via nudges. Both providers are piloting Apple’s Health Records feature.