Adopting technology can encourage stronger patient-provider communication. Challenges of adopting new technology loom across every industry and healthcare is no exception. Due to its risk-averse culture, worn out workforce and heavy value placed on establishing human connections, technologies that isolate patients and introduce unnecessary tasks will be met with some resistance.

It is tough to make changes when you are working at capacity or beyond it. Everyone in the system believes that they are working their hardest, according to Dr. Ami Bhatt, director of outpatient cardiology and the adult congenital heart disease program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Providers are not against trying new things but, they should be shown some value in what is offered.

Bhatt also said that a quicker way to amass support would be emphasizing on how virtual care can extend care beyond hospital walls to reach out to the patients, who otherwise never engage with the system. Also, including providers with doubts into planning and implementation process can address their concerns and build a stronger program.

Providers think that technology will reduce face-to-face care to make it impersonal. But, they need to be convinced that they can extend personal care through technology too and potentially to a greater number of people.