TAGUM DOCTORS COLLEGE, INC.

Mahogany St. Rabe Subdivision Visayan Village,

Tagum City, Davao del Norte
Nursing Department

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTED HEALTH

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

NCM 110

Submitted by:

GROUP 3 MEMBERS:
AKOL, LIAN GRACE E.
BEDICO, FRANCINE KAYE R.
CUA, FRANCES RHAE J.
FLORES, CARLA JOY B.
LAMPREA, KATHRINA Z.

Submitted to:

MYKA ALLENE CATOTO

APRIL 7, 2025
I. INTRODUCTION
In the evolving landscape of modern healthcare, the focus has shifted from simply
diagnosing and treating diseases in hospital settings to providing patient-centered care that
prioritizes the active involvement of patients in managing their health. Patient engagement
and connected health are two important concepts that play a key role in this transformation.
Patient engagement is a collaborative process where patients are encouraged to take
an active role in their own healthcare. It goes beyond just receiving treatment; it involves
patients making informed decisions, adhering to prescribed treatments, asking questions
during consultations, and participating in managing their overall well-being. By becoming
more involved, patients are empowered to make decisions that contribute to better health
outcomes and overall life quality.
On the other hand, connected health refers to the use of digital technologies to link
patients with healthcare providers, allowing for continuous monitoring, communication, and
management of health outside traditional care settings. Connected health includes
telemedicine, mobile health applications, wearable devices, and remote patient monitoring,
enabling healthcare delivery beyond the walls of clinics and hospitals.
Together, patient engagement and connected health are transforming healthcare by
creating more personalized, accessible, and proactive care models. In nursing informatics,
these technologies enable healthcare providers to enhance communication, provide real-
time monitoring, and make data-driven decisions that improve patient care and outcomes.

II. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Patient Engagement
Patient engagement refers to the active involvement of patients in their healthcare
processes. It encompasses understanding and making decisions about their care, engaging in
preventive health practices, following treatment regimens, and communicating with their
healthcare team. Engaged patients are more likely to experience improved health outcomes,
including fewer hospitalizations and better management of chronic conditions.
Connected Health
Connected health, often referred to as technology-enabled care, includes the use of
digital tools and platforms to connect patients with healthcare providers and systems. It
encompasses technologies like telemedicine, remote monitoring, mobile health apps, and
wearable devices, which enable patients to manage their health more efficiently, regardless
of their location.
Telehealth / Telemedicine
Telehealth is a broad term that involves the use of telecommunications to deliver
healthcare services, such as video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and electronic
transmission of health data. Telemedicine is a subset of telehealth that specifically refers to
the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through technology.
mHealth (Mobile Health)
mHealth refers to the use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to monitor
and manage health conditions. Mobile health applications provide functionalities such as
medication tracking, symptom management, and remote health monitoring, supporting
patients in staying on track with their care plans.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
EHRs are digital records that provide a comprehensive history of a patient's health
information, such as diagnoses, treatments, medications, test results, and immunizations.
These records are used by healthcare providers to coordinate care, streamline patient
management, and ensure continuity of care across various providers.
Wearable Technology
Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other biosensors, track
various health metrics like heart rate, activity level, sleep patterns, and even glucose levels.
They provide real-time health data that patients and healthcare providers can use to monitor
progress and detect early signs of potential health issues.
Nursing Informatics
Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, information
management, and technology to improve patient care. It involves the use of data,
information, and technology to enhance clinical decision-making, ensure effective
communication, and improve the efficiency of nursing practice.

III. IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTED HEALTH

The integration of patient engagement and connected health strategies is essential in
modern healthcare. These approaches offer several benefits to patients, healthcare
providers, and healthcare systems as a whole.
1. Empowerment and Self-Management
• Patient engagement empowers patients by giving them the tools and information they
need to take control of their health. Through connected health technologies, patients
can track vital health metrics, monitor symptoms, and receive personalized feedback.
This continuous involvement helps them make informed decisions about their care
and promotes self-management of chronic conditions.
2. Improved Health Outcomes
• Research has shown that patients who are engaged in their healthcare are more likely
to follow treatment plans, attend regular check-ups, and adopt healthier lifestyle
choices. Connected health technologies, such as wearable devices, enable early
detection of health issues, leading to more timely interventions and better outcomes.
3. Better Patient Satisfaction
• Patient engagement enhances the quality of interactions between patients and
healthcare providers. When patients feel involved in their care and can communicate
openly with their providers, their satisfaction with the healthcare experience
improves. This positive relationship fosters trust, which is essential for effective
healthcare delivery.
4. Increased Efficiency
• Connected health tools streamline processes by reducing paperwork, optimizing
communication, and enabling real-time updates. Nurses and other healthcare
professionals can quickly access patient data, monitor progress, and adjust care plans
accordingly. This efficiency saves time, allowing healthcare workers to focus on direct
patient care.
5. Enhanced Communication
• Connected health systems improve the exchange of information between patients
and providers. Digital platforms, such as patient portals and telemedicine, facilitate
clear, timely communication, reducing the chances of miscommunication and
enhancing care coordination.
IV. TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN CONNECTED HEALTH
Several tools and technologies play a vital role in enabling connected health and
patient engagement.
A. Telemedicine Platforms
• Telemedicine platforms, such as Zoom, Doxy.me, and customized hospital systems,
enable virtual consultations, allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers
remotely. These platforms offer video calls, chat features, and secure file sharing for
patient-doctor interactions, improving access to care.
B. Mobile Health Apps
• Mobile health apps, like MyChart, HealthTap, and Medisafe, provide functionalities
such as medication reminders, symptom trackers, and access to health records. These
apps enable patients to take charge of their health by making informed decisions
based on real-time data.
C. Wearables and Smart Devices
• Wearables like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and continuous glucose monitors track health
metrics like activity level, heart rate, and blood sugar. These devices provide patients
with real-time data that can help detect abnormalities early, making it easier for
healthcare providers to monitor progress and make adjustments.
D. Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• EHR systems, such as Epic, Cerner, and MediTech, provide comprehensive and up-to-
date patient records. Healthcare providers can easily access and update patient
information, ensuring seamless communication across multiple providers and
preventing medical errors.
E. Patient Portals
• Patient portals are secure online platforms that allow patients to access their medical
information, request prescriptions, schedule appointments, and communicate with
healthcare providers. These portals promote transparency and foster patient
engagement by giving patients more control over their healthcare
V. ROLE OF NURSES IN PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTED HEALTH
Nurses play a central role in facilitating patient engagement and implementing
connected health technologies.
A. Educators and Advocates
• Nurses educate patients about the available digital tools and how to use them to
monitor their health. They also advocate for the inclusion of technology in care plans,
ensuring that the patient’s needs and preferences are met.
B. Coordinators
• Nurses act as a bridge between patients and other healthcare professionals, ensuring
that information flows smoothly and that the patient’s care plan is up-to-date. They
help coordinate telemedicine consultations, ensure proper use of mobile health apps,
and facilitate the sharing of data through EHRs.
C. Data Managers
• With access to real-time data from connected health tools, nurses can monitor patient
progress, identify early signs of complications, and make data-driven decisions. This
helps improve patient care and outcomes.
D. Support Providers
• Nurses also provide emotional and psychological support, especially in telehealth
settings. They help maintain the patient’s engagement by ensuring that the patient
feels heard and supported, even when care is delivered remotely.

VI. CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTED HEALTH

While patient engagement and connected health offer significant benefits, there are
several challenges in implementing these technologies:
1. Digital Literacy
• Not all patients are comfortable or familiar with using digital technologies. Older
adults or those from underserved communities may face difficulties using
telemedicine platforms or mobile health apps.
2. Data Privacy and Security
• The use of digital health tools raises concerns about data privacy and security.
Protecting patient information from cyber threats and unauthorized access is essential
to maintain trust and comply with regulations such as HIPAA.
3. Access to Technology
• In rural or low-income areas, access to the internet, smartphones, or wearable devices
may be limited, which hinders the ability of some patients to participate in connected
health programs.
4. Resistance to Change
• Both healthcare providers and patients may be resistant to adopting new technologies
due to fear of errors or unfamiliarity with the tools. Training and ongoing support are
needed to ease this transition.
5. Cost and Infrastructure
• Implementing connected health technologies requires significant investment in
infrastructure and training. Healthcare organizations may face challenges in funding
these technologies, especially in resource-constrained settings.

VII. FUTURE TRENDS IN PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTED HEALTH

The future of patient engagement and connected health is promising, with several emerging
trends:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will revolutionize diagnosis, personalized treatment
plans, and patient management, making healthcare more efficient and tailored to
individual needs.
• Virtual Reality (VR): VR technologies may be used in pain management, rehabilitation,
and patient education, providing immersive and interactive ways to engage patients.
• Remote Patient Monitoring Expansion: The use of wearable devices will continue to
grow, providing continuous health data and enabling proactive care management.
• Interoperability Improvements: Future healthcare systems will see better integration
of technologies, allowing seamless sharing of patient information across different
platforms.
 • Patient-Centered Design: Healthcare technologies will evolve to become more user-
friendly, offering personalized experiences that cater to the specific needs of patients.

VIII. CONCLUSION
The integration of patient engagement and connected health is transforming
healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. With the help of digital tools and
technologies, patients are becoming active participants in their healthcare journey. Nurses
play a vital role in educating, supporting, and advocating for patients in this digital health
landscape. As technologies continue to evolve, the future of patient care will become even
more personalized, efficient, and accessible to everyone.