Person-Centred Care: Empowering Individuals Using Digital Tools

Person-centred care is a health & social care philosophy that prioritises an individual’s needs, preferences, and active participation in their own treatment journey. Digital tools and technologies have become critical in establishing person-centred care in today’s digital age. In this post, we will look at how digital tools can help people take control of their health and be more involved in their healthcare decisions.

Health Information Access

Individuals can easily access a multitude of health information thanks to digital tools such as health websites, smartphone apps, and patient portals. They can learn about medical issues, treatment alternatives, and lifestyle suggestions, allowing them to make informed health decisions.

Medical Records and Data

People can access and control their health records and data using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and personal health applications. This transparency encourages participation and assists individuals in keeping track of their medical history, prescriptions, and test results.

Scheduling Appointments and Telemedicine

People can use digital technologies to plan appointments online and, in some cases, to obtain telemedicine services. These technologies reduce the need for physical visits, making healthcare more convenient and accessible, especially for people who have mobility or transportation issues.

Medication Administration

Medication adherence is crucial for chronic disease management. By providing alarms and recording doses, medication reminder applications and smart pill dispensers help people keep to their prescription regimens.

Tracking of Health and Fitness

Wearable gadgets, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, enable people to track their physical activity, heart rate, sleep habits, and other data. These tools encourage frequent exercise and healthy living choices, promoting a proactive approach to health.

Management of Chronic Disease

Specialised apps and platforms for managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension are available through digital tools. These technologies assist users in tracking symptoms, monitoring vital signs, and receiving disease management advice.

Virtual Support Groups

Individuals can connect with others suffering similar health issues through online support communities and patient forums. These networks provide emotional support, shared experiences, and insightful information.

Individualised Health Plans

Based on an individual’s health data, goals, and preferences, digital tools can develop personalised health plans. These plans offer personalised nutrition, exercise, and preventive care suggestions.

Remote Monitoring

Individuals can obtain continuous healthcare without leaving their homes thanks to remote monitoring equipment linked to healthcare providers via digital networks. This technique is especially useful for people who have chronic diseases or require postoperative care.

Health Education and Connected Care

Connected Care platforms feature instructional resources, videos, and interactive meetings with medical professionals. From the comfort of their own homes, individuals can learn about their diseases, treatment alternatives, and self-management tactics.

Key Advantages of Digital Empowerment

• Patient Engagement: Digital tools include individuals in their healthcare by involving them in decision-making and care planning.
• Improved Health Literacy: Having access to health information allows people to better understand their diseases, treatment alternatives, and preventive measures.
• Shared Decision-Making: Digital tools enable individuals and healthcare practitioners to collaborate on shared decision-making, resulting in treatment plans that are tailored to the patient’s preferences.
• Efficiency and Convenience: Digital tools help to simplify care processes, reduce administrative responsibilities, and make care more accessible.
• Preventative Care: Routine monitoring and easy access to information encourage people to prioritise preventative care and early intervention.
• Quality of Life: Empowered individuals frequently have higher quality of life due to enhanced self-management and adherence to care regimens.

Finally, digital tools have altered person-cantered care by enabling individuals to play an active role in their healthcare journey. These tools improve the patient experience and contribute to better health outcomes by providing access to information, facilitating remote care, and encouraging interaction. As digital health technology advances, it will become increasingly important in providing person-cantered treatment and improving the overall care experience.