Improving Outcomes Through Patient Engagement in Healthcare

The way patients interact with healthcare providers has evolved dramatically in recent years. Technology is now central to how care is delivered, managed and experienced. From patient portals and mobile apps to text reminders and digital health records, today’s patients are more connected and informed than ever before. 

This growing trend is known as patient engagement — and it's reshaping healthcare. Patient engagement empowers individuals to play an active role in their care by providing access to their own health data, fostering communication with providers and supporting healthier behaviors. 

At the heart of this transformation lies health informatics — the discipline that brings together healthcare, information technology and data analytics to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. 

What Is Patient Engagement?

Patient engagement refers to the tools, technologies and strategies used to involve patients more deeply in their healthcare journeys. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), patient engagement helps improve outcomes by encouraging shared decision-making, transparency and timely communication between providers and patients. 

This can include: 

• Secure patient portals 

• Online access to test results 

• Appointment reminders 

• Educational resources 

• Telehealth visits 

• Mobile health apps and wearables 

When patients understand their health information and feel empowered to act on it, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, manage chronic conditions and engage in preventive care. 

The Role of Health Informatics in Patient Engagement

Health informatics provides the infrastructure and digital tools that make patient engagement possible. It allows healthcare organizations to collect, manage and share vast amounts of patient data securely and efficiently. 

Health informatics professionals design and implement systems that: 

• Improve access to health records 

• Facilitate communication between patients and providers 

• Automate care reminders and follow-up instructions 

• Enable telemedicine and virtual care 

• Provide decision-support tools for both patients and clinicians 

Why Patient Engagement Matters — For Patients and Providers

The benefits of patient engagement go beyond convenience. Studies show that engaged patients experience: 

• Better health outcomes 

• Lower healthcare costs 

• Higher satisfaction with care 

For providers, patient engagement strategies can lead to: 

• Reduced administrative workload 

• Improved care coordination 

• Fewer missed appointments 

• Increased treatment adherence 

• Enhanced population health management 

A simple example is a patient portal that allows individuals to schedule appointments, request medication refills, or view lab results online — reducing phone calls and freeing up staff time. 

Real-World Examples of Health Informatics in Action

To better understand how health informatics supports patient engagement in real-world settings, let’s explore some examples of its impact in action. 

Case Study: Virtual Cardiology Program Reduces Hospital Readmissions 

A prospective randomized study evaluated the impact of Heartbeat Health's 100-day post-discharge virtual cardiology program. The program integrates virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, medication adjustments and care coordination. Compared to standard care alone, the intervention group demonstrated a 53% reduction in cardiac readmissions and a 44% reduction in all-cause readmissions within 90 days post-discharge.  

Participants also experienced an average weight loss of 4.5 pounds, reduced systolic blood pressure by 11 mmHg, and improvements in shortness of breath and quality of life. The program's success is attributed to three key components: virtual visits for medication adjustments, remote patient monitoring and dedicated care coordination. This case underscores the potential of virtual care models in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. 

Case Study: Patient Empowerment Through Access to Data 

Another everyday example of patient engagement is when patients receive their test results electronically before meeting with their doctor. Early access enables patients to research their condition, prepare questions and participate more actively in treatment decisions — shifting from passive recipients of care to informed partners. As access to data grows, research continues to explore how this impacts patient behavior and health outcomes. 

The Future of Health Informatics and Patient Engagement

As healthcare continues to digitize, the need for skilled professionals in health informatics is only increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 29% growth rate for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033 — significantly faster than average. 

Emerging trends shaping the future of patient engagement include: 

• Personalized healthcare apps 

• Wearable health monitoring devices 

• AI-driven patient communication tools 

• Remote patient monitoring 

• Enhanced cybersecurity for patient data 

Organizations that can effectively leverage health informatics will be better positioned to deliver proactive, personalized and patient-centered care. 

Prepare to Lead in Health Informatics

For those looking to shape the future of healthcare, The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics program provides the advanced skills and expertise needed to excel in this growing field. 

The program curriculum blends healthcare knowledge with technology and data analytics, preparing graduates to: 

• Design and manage health information systems 

• Support patient engagement strategies 

• Improve healthcare quality and outcomes 

• Lead data-driven decision-making in healthcare organizations 

Whether you're an IT professional, healthcare provider, or business leader, this program equips you to drive meaningful change at the intersection of healthcare and technology. 

Learn more by exploring the online MS in Health Informatics program today!