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As a physician who bridges health and tech, I always look forward to HIMSS and participating in the conversations and decisions that are revolutionizing the healthcare industry.

A recent captivating #Engage4Health Twitter chat conversation which is sure to continue at the conference this year, focused on effective patient engagement.

My profession gives me a unique perspective on health tech but equally important is my personal consumer view of healthcare as the Dr. Mom of my household. Moms across the world take care of children, spouses and aging parents or other extended family members. It’s no small task. So when we talk about patient engagement the most important patient to engage with across the board is actually Dr. Mom. If we can make her life easier, health tech will achieve much success. The Harvard Business Review conducted a survey in 2015 that found, fifty-nine percent of women are making health care decisions for others.

The retail experience is built to engage moms. Any number of websites can help compare products and vet consumer reviews. Wholesale retailing sites, will even suggest items to purchase based on shopping habits and also market relevant items at the point of sale.

Today’s consumer is not only more engaged but more empowered. She can feel good and well-informed about the choices she’s made and vetted for her family when it comes to shopping in the retail space.

This is markedly different from what a consumer experiences in healthcare today. The lack of healthcare literacy combined with limited access to care and medical records along with little transparency about costs leaves the consumer of healthcare feeling anything but empowered, let alone engaged.

The evolution of banking via mobile devices is a perfect model for consumer-centered healthcare. Depositing money, transferring money between accounts, checking on overall financial status and scheduling an in-person appointment with an agent can all be done from a smart phone or mobile device.

It’s becoming a rarity to have to actually go into a bank these days. ATMs and drive thru banking eliminate the need to visit a bank during restrictive hours.

Both of these consumer experiences really work for Dr. Mom. They are easily integrated into on-the-go lifestyles. When I think of these experiences and what they have in common – they’re very simple. These industries meet me where I am as a consumer; delivering information to me when I need it without my having to seek it out. By automatically sending me relevant emails or push notifications (all with my consent) I am kept up-to-date in real-time.

Read More – Source: #Engage4Health: Looking for the Invisible at HIMSS17 | HIMSS17

By Dr. Geeta Nayyar, Chief Healthcare & Innovation Officer, Femwell Group Health