In the age of patient-centric healthcare, deciphering human behaviours has emerged as a cornerstone for creating successful digital engagement strategies. Patient behavioral models offer essential frameworks to understand the drivers behind these actions.
This article delves into the significance of behavioural models and their application in developing dynamic digital engagement strategies, incorporating both established and contemporary models.
Understanding Behavioural Models:
Behavioural models serve as invaluable guides to dissect the intricate interplay of factors influencing human actions.
While the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior) and BJ Fogg models provide solid foundations, contemporary models such as Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress, appraisal and coping theory, Lenz’s Information Seeking Model and Longo’s et al. expanded Model of Health Information Seeking Behaviours further enrich our understanding.
Applications in Crafting Digital Engagement Strategy:
Integrating patient behavioural models into digital engagement strategies offers a robust approach to comprehending behaviors and designing effective interventions. The COM-B model aids in identifying engagement barriers and developing tailored interventions.
The Lazarus and Folkman Stress model, for instance, can help uncover stress-related triggers that impact patient engagement, leading to the creation of targeted stress management resources.
Exemplifying Success:
The practical application of these models has yielded remarkable successes in healthcare. By adapting established models, innovative interventions can be designed. For instance, leveraging Miller’s Monitoring and Blunting Hypothesis, a mobile app was developed to provide real-time monitoring of medication adherence, catering to patients who prefer closely monitoring their health status.
Incorporating Lenz’s Information Seeking Model, a web-based platform was crafted that offered comprehensive and easily accessible information to patients seeking resources for managing chronic conditions. This aligns with Longo’s et al.Expanded Model of Health Information Seeking Behaviours, which underscores the importance of tailored information delivery in enhancing patient engagement.
Reassessing Model Validity in Contemporary Healthcare:
While traditional and contemporary behavioural models have played significant roles in shaping engagement strategies, their validity in today's healthcare landscape merits consideration. The emergence of AI-driven healthcare, wearables, and personalized medicine has introduced new variables that these models may not fully encompass.
Contemporary models like Johnson’s Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking and Longo’s Expanded Model acknowledge the evolving healthcare environment. However, as technology advances, healthcare stakeholders must continually evaluate the suitability of these models to address novel patient behaviors and expectations.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Innovation:
Patient behavioural models have been instrumental in driving digital engagement strategies that resonate with patients. While established models provide a strong foundation, integrating contemporary models enhances our ability to decode complex behaviors and design more effective interventions.
As healthcare evolves, a delicate balance between adhering to foundational principles and embracing the demands of modern practices is vital. This equilibrium ensures the development of digital engagement strategies that remain rooted in established wisdom while flexibly adapting to the dynamic realities of patient care.
