“The feedback from patients and families has been overwhelmingly positive,” Seo said. “They appreciate the convenience of being able to access all the information they need in one place, from scheduling appointments to finding their way around our facilities. The personalized experience that the app provides has been a game-changer for many of our patients.”
Additionally, the integration of the AI-driven chatbot has further enhanced the user experience on the MyNicklaus app. Patients and families can now receive instant responses to their questions and concerns, providing them with a seamless and efficient way to interact with the healthcare system.
Looking ahead, Nicklaus Children’s plans to continue evolving the mobile platform to meet the changing needs of patients and families. They are exploring additional features such as telehealth capabilities, remote monitoring, and personalized health recommendations to further enhance the digital healthcare experience for their users.
Overall, the success of the MyNicklaus app demonstrates the importance of creating a customized and user-friendly digital experience for healthcare consumers. By leveraging a flexible platform and innovative technologies, hospitals and health systems can meet the diverse needs of their patients and families, ultimately improving engagement and outcomes.
The utilization of platform core features, such as navigation and Nicklaus Children’s webpages, has seen a significant increase of 170% since 2023. One of the most utilized features on the mobile platform is the patient portal, which has experienced an eightfold growth in usage over the past two years. This surge in usage indicates that the mobile patient platform is evolving from a supplementary tool to a central component in how patients and families engage with the healthcare system.
“We are constantly exploring ways to address social determinants of health through the mobile app,” stated a representative. “With up to 70% of our patients being on Medicaid, many face challenges like food insecurity and lack of reliable transportation. Our goal is to connect patients with community services that can assist in meeting these needs through a unified digital platform. This cohesive digital support is crucial in ensuring that patients’ holistic health requirements are met in a manner that is both comfortable and empowering.”
In terms of advice for others in the healthcare industry, it is emphasized that a healthcare mobile app is no longer a luxury but a necessity for patient engagement. It is essential to consider the flexibility of a mobile platform in incorporating new features over time and how well these features integrate with existing technologies within the organization. Evaluating the app’s performance in relation to the achievement of strategic goals is also crucial.
Furthermore, the culture of the mobile platform or digital app vendor should be carefully evaluated before embarking on any collaborations. At Nicklaus Children’s, the success of their mobile app can be attributed to the strong relationship between their team and the vendor’s team. This synergy is instrumental in driving digital innovation and ensuring the app’s effectiveness in meeting healthcare objectives.
In conclusion, the evolution of mobile platforms in healthcare is transforming the way patients interact with the healthcare system. By prioritizing patient engagement and addressing social determinants of health, organizations can leverage mobile apps to provide comprehensive support to their patient population. The seamless integration of technology, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships is key to driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes.
Follow Bill’s HIT coverage on LinkedIn: Bill Siwicki
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Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
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