Electronic Communication Portal Enhances Patient Care During Illness
25th November 2024
Meðvera – an Electronic Communication Portal – Has Been Implemented at Akureyri Hospital (SAk) to Improve the Quality of Life and Health of Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment.
The portal, which is part of Iceland's cancer plan, enables real-time communication between patients and healthcare professionals, facilitates the exchange of educational material, and allows close monitoring of symptoms and well-being.
The cancer plan states: “Patients and their families should be offered access to a secure, interactive website linked to the patient's medical records, where personalized information, support, and guidance are provided.”
Nurses at the general outpatient clinic at Akureyri Hospital (SAk) have been using Meðvera since the beginning of the year and report positive results.
A Smart Solution for Patients
“Through Meðvera, patients can answer questions about their symptoms and well-being electronically, allowing nurses to intervene if necessary,” says Katrín Ösp Stefánsdóttir, project team leader for Meðvera.
“This is an incredibly valuable tool, especially for those living far from healthcare facilities. With this system, we can respond in real time and ensure patients receive the appropriate assistance.”
Multiple Benefits
Research suggests that electronic portals like Meðvera have numerous benefits. They contribute to improved well-being, better quality of life, and even longer survival for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
“Patients gain more confidence in their ability to assess their symptoms, reducing the strain on emergency departments. Hospital readmissions also decrease because we closely monitor symptoms and intervene early,” says Katrín.
Automation and Personalized Service
Meðvera utilizes automation to enhance service quality. Patients automatically receive educational material tailored to the symptoms they report. Additionally, their communication history is stored in their medical records, facilitating follow-up care.
As part of the Heilsuvera platform, the portal is user-friendly and accessible to patients.
Overall, Meðvera improves communication efficiency, enhances service quality, and contributes to a better patient experience during illness. It is, therefore, a vital addition to Iceland’s healthcare services.