Healthcare Access: Technology & Human Connection
- The healthcare industry is increasingly focused on improving access to care, but technology alone isn't enough, according to Cheryl Dalton-Norman, president and co-founder of Conduit Health Partners.
- Dalton-norman shared a personal experience where her family struggled to navigate the healthcare system during a medical crisis.
- Nurse triage, Dalton-Norman said, serves as an essential first point of contact, providing immediate connection and guidance.
Improve healthcare access with a vital human connection. This article underscores how crucial nurse triage and empathy are for better patient outcomes. Discover why technology alone isn’t enough; real understanding and listening are key.Learn how 24/7 nurse triage services offer immediate guidance and support, preventing unneeded emergency room visits. Access to care for underserved populations and solutions that alleviate the pressure on medical staff are examined. News Directory 3 explores how these steps build trust. Consider how these innovations can transform the healthcare experience. Discover what’s next!
Human Connection: The Key to Access to Care
Updated June 09, 2025
The healthcare industry is increasingly focused on improving access to care, but technology alone isn’t enough, according to Cheryl Dalton-Norman, president and co-founder of Conduit Health Partners. she argues that real human connection is equally vital.
Dalton-norman shared a personal experience where her family struggled to navigate the healthcare system during a medical crisis. Despite technological advancements, they needed someone to listen, review medical records, and guide them toward the best course of action. This highlighted the critical role of human interaction in ensuring effective access to care.
Nurse triage, Dalton-Norman said, serves as an essential first point of contact, providing immediate connection and guidance. These services ensure 24/7 access to registered nurses who can assess situations and offer advice, preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and promoting peace of mind.
While quantifying the value of revenue cycle improvements is straightforward, Dalton-Norman notes that measuring the impact of building trust and connection with patients is more complex. She contends that improved access to care for underserved populations through after-hours telephone calls is invaluable.
The ongoing clinician exodus further underscores the need for solutions that alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals. Providing 24/7 support through nurse triage can make a significant difference, Dalton-Norman believes.
Access means different things to different people. For me, it’s knowing that when someone reaches out for help, whether at 3 p.m. on a Saturday or 2 a.m.on a Tuesday, they aren’t met with barriers, but with immediate connection.
What’s next
Health systems, FQHCs, medical groups, and payers must prioritize solutions that improve patient outcomes, support caregivers, and ensure no one navigates the healthcare system alone. Nurse triage and a focus on human connection are key to achieving these goals.