Healthcare is one of our core focus areas at Spryng, which is why we prioritise attending Europe’s leading healthcare trade shows, such as MEDICA. This year’s event didn’t disappoint, offering valuable insights into the future of healthcare and the pivotal role messaging plays in digital transformation.
From SMS to RCS and WhatsApp, messaging tools are becoming essential in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients. SMS stands out for its simplicity, security, and universal reach, making it a trusted choice for patient reminders and updates. Meanwhile, Rich Communication Services (RCS) takes messaging to the next level with rich multimedia content and interactive features, offering a more engaging and personalised patient experience. WhatsApp, with its widespread adoption and secure platform, has become a favourite for appointment confirmations and real-time updates.
Together, these tools are helping healthcare organisations stay connected, ensuring timely, effective, and secure communication. Here’s what we learned about how messaging is reshaping healthcare.
AI and Messaging: A personal touch for patient care
At MEDICA, one of the most exciting trends we noticed was the growing role of AI in healthcare communication. Imagine receiving a friendly reminder to take your medication or a personalised message to motivate you on your health journey—AI makes this possible by creating more relevant, timely, and engaging interactions.
For example, SMS programmes that address patients by name and provide tailored health tips significantly improve engagement. AI enhances this even further by analysing patient data and adapting messages in real time. Whether it’s encouraging someone to stay active or providing follow-up care instructions, these personalised interactions have a real impact on patient outcomes.
The Rise of RCS: messaging that does more
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is emerging as a game changer in healthcare messaging. Unlike traditional SMS, RCS supports multimedia content, read receipts, and interactive elements, providing a more engaging patient experience. The interest in RCS at MEDICA highlighted its potential for secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging—an essential feature for safeguarding patient data and complying with strict EU data protection regulations.
Eng. René Richter shared an insightful perspective: “Wouldn’t it be nice if a tool could discreetly monitor and remind us about crucial health actions?”
This vision is already becoming a reality. Imagine an AI-powered system that sends diabetes patients reminders to take their insulin or provides post-surgery care tips—all delivered through an interactive RCS message. It’s these kinds of innovations that are driving Spryng’s mission to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.
SMS: An affordable, universal tool for mHealth
Despite the rise of advanced tools like RCS and AI, SMS remains a cornerstone of healthcare communication. Its affordability and accessibility across all phone types ensure that no patient is left behind. From appointment reminders to follow-up care, SMS continues to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions.
Timing Matters: The secret to effective messaging
Did you know that the timing of a message can affect its impact? A study revealed that health-related SMS sent between 3 PM and 6 PM had the most positive effect on patient mood, compared to morning messages. This insight reinforces our commitment to helping healthcare providers deliver messages that truly resonate.
The role of mHealth and data security
Mobile health (mHealth) is transforming how we prevent, monitor, and treat illnesses. Wearable devices and mobile apps now play a critical role in collecting real-time patient data, empowering both doctors and patients with actionable insights. However, with innovation comes responsibility. At Spryng, we prioritise data security to ensure that sensitive patient information remains protected.
Our commitment is backed by our certifications: Spryng is the only SMS provider in the Netherlands certified with both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510. These standards guarantee that we handle patient data with the utmost care, giving healthcare providers the peace of mind they need to focus on their work.
Ready to transform your healthcare communication?
Messaging tools like SMS, RCS, and WhatsApp are shaping the future of healthcare, making communication more accessible, personalised, and secure. At Spryng, we’re proud to support healthcare providers in navigating this digital transformation.
If you’d like to learn more about how messaging can benefit your organisation, or how we can help you optimise your patient communication, feel free to reach out via this link. We’d love to discuss the possibilities and help you find the perfect solution.
