The 2020 census revealed alarming trends about the states with the fastest-growing population score, such as Florida. Indeed, Florida ranks among the worst US states when it comes to health and health care. The reasons for the poor score are numerous, ranging from a high volume of uninsured adults to unaffordable health care even through health insurance. However, key information stands out about the health care deficiencies in the state.
Florida has a high volume of premature death from conditions that would otherwise be treatable. The Florida population also struggles to receive the care they need for mental health issues.
But the pandemic has taught us something about perseverance and smart portable technology that could transform Florida’s health score for good.
Being there where people are
The first and most important aspect of providing health care is location. It makes no sense to start the health care conversation in a place where your audience can’t hear or see you. A lot of doctors and nurses focus their communication efforts inside the clinical environment. As a result, they fail to address many potential patients who are not within this environment. The pandemic has seen a surge of renewal in social media communication. Professionals in the healthcare industry, such as Dr. Mike, have recorded an increase in interest and engagement on different social media platforms. Therefore, it makes sense to bring the health care conversation into the digital space. Platforms such as Facebook could prove vital to reach out to your audience and increase health awareness. Dr. Mike has a huge follower base across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Discord, etc., enabling him to educate and inform the public about health issues. Following his example, the health care system in Florida could use a similar approach.
Being able to reach remote areas
Ultimately, individuals who live in remote areas can struggle to receive adequate health care services. Small towns fail to secure life-changing medical equipment as a result of the low budget and small population. Unfortunately, most patients are reluctant to visit a large health care center to receive treatment because it would mean a long commute. However, providing small medical cabinets in semi-rural areas with portable equipment such as the light ultrasound Sonosite machines could help provide an accurate diagnosis for patients. Reducing the need for long journeys, patients could receive essential treatments close to their homes.
Speaking people’s language
Rafael is Mexican-born. While his use of English is sufficient for his everyday job as a roof tiler, he can get confused by complex terms. When the doctor told him he had acute viral nasopharyngitis, Rafael was too embarrassed to ask what it meant. Medical jargon can be obscure, even if English is your first language. So, creating a new form of communication to demystify scary health terms for patients could be a game-changer for the medical sector. The use of emojis in everyday interactions with patients could bridge the gap between health care providers and people. People with disabilities, patients who speak a foreign language, or even individuals prone to anxious reactions could greatly benefit from an emoji-focused conversation.
It makes no doubt that medical investments are a necessary aspect of bringing Florida’s health care environment forward. However, strategic decisions that can enhance patient care do not need to break the bank. Making health care accessible, convenient, and comprehensible could significantly improve the situation.