Enhancing Patient Care Through Personalized Communication: How Dr. Sharma Transformed Her OBGYN Practice with PATHS

Case Study | Women’s Health
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Background

Dr. Lee Sharma, a gynecologist and obstetrician in private practice in Auburn, Alabama, has been caring for her patients since 2001. Like many practices, she encountered persistent challenges in ensuring that patients retained the vital information provided during office visits. This often led to confusion, frequent follow-up calls, and unnecessary inefficiencies for both her team and her patients. Additionally, many patients were turning to unverified online sources for information, leading to further complications and anxiety. Dr. Sharma recognized the need for a reliable, easily accessible solution to improve communication before and after visits, especially when preparing for and recovering from medical procedures.

Challenges

  • The need for a more seamless onboarding process for new patients.
  • Improving communication before and after procedures, particularly regarding expectations and self-care.
  • Patients recalling only 20% of the information given during office visits.
  • Increased administrative load from patients calling back to clarify details.
  • Discrepancies in the information patients found online, leading to confusion and anxiety.

Solution

Dr. Sharma partnered with PATHS, a healthcare software platform, to transform her practice’s communication and patient care processes. With PATHS, she was able to create personalized care plans for each patient, delivering curated and accurate information from pre-visit onboarding to post-procedural recovery. Patients could access these resources 24/7, providing them with peace of mind, better preparation, and a clearer understanding of their health journey.

For new patients, PATHS helped streamline the onboarding process, introducing them to the practice and Dr. Sharma through personalized videos and clear, easy-to-complete forms. During consultations, patients received individualized care plans, and for those undergoing procedures, PATHS provided a step-by-step guide on pre-procedural preparations, what to expect during the procedure, and post-procedure care instructions. This support extended beyond the procedure, offering insights into how life would change after the procedure, ensuring patients were informed and engaged throughout their care journey.

Results

100% New Patient Adoption

Nearly 100% of Dr. Sharma’s new patients have adopted PATHS for onboarding and pre-visit preparation. The seamless onboarding process has alleviated much of the anxiety that new patients often feel, allowing them to become familiar with the practice and Dr. Sharma before their first visit.

Enhanced Practice Efficiency

PATHS has dramatically improved practice efficiency by reducing the number of follow-up calls from patients seeking clarification on information. With patients having access to accurate, curated information 24/7, the practice has experienced a significant decrease in repetitive inquiries, freeing up staff to focus on other critical tasks. Additionally, the consistency in information provided to patients ensures that no matter who they speak with, they receive the same, accurate details. This streamlining of communication has led to a more efficient and productive workflow within the practice.

Improved Patient Understanding and Adherence

Patients now have access to curated, reliable information at their convenience, improving their understanding of diagnoses and procedures. This easy access has led to significantly higher levels of adherence to care plans, as patients are better informed and prepared for their treatments. For instance, patients undergoing procedures like hysterectomies receive detailed pre- and post-procedure instructions, reducing confusion and leading to better recovery outcomes.

Strengthened Patient-Physician Relationship

By offering personalized video introductions and educational content, patients feel a connection to Dr. Sharma before even setting foot in her office. This has made consultations more productive and less intimidating for new patients, leading to stronger relationships and increased patient satisfaction. Patients have also expressed feeling more supported and reassured, knowing they can access their care plans anytime, helping them feel more connected between visits.

Pre- and Post-Procedure Clarity

PATHS provides patients with clear, step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for procedures and what to expect afterward. This has transformed how Dr. Sharma's patients approach their care, reducing pre-procedure anxiety and ensuring that patients follow post-procedure care plans diligently. With patients informed on what their life will look like post-procedure, their recovery is smoother, and the clinic experiences fewer complications or misunderstandings.

Conclusion

By integrating PATHS into her practice, Dr. Sharma has achieved greater efficiency, improved patient engagement, and enhanced outcomes while alleviating anxiety and doubt. Patients feel supported and empowered, while the practice experiences fewer follow-up calls and administrative inefficiencies. The ability to provide accurate, curated information to patients and caregivers has strengthened the patient-physician relationship, leading to higher satisfaction and adherence to care plans. PATHS continues to prove its value as an essential resource in modern healthcare, offering benefits that extend beyond the clinic and into the lives of patients and their caregivers.

Key Takeaways

  • 100% new patient adoption of PATHS for onboarding and preparation.
  • Reduced follow-up calls and improved staff efficiency.
  • Clear, curated pre- and post-procedural guidance leading to smoother patient recoveries.
  • Nearly 100% patient completion rate of care plans, resulting in better outcomes.
  • Stronger patient-physician relationships through ongoing engagement and support.