Social Media and the Patient Experience

I'm currently working with a healthcare system and one piece of the project is to incorporate social media into the patient experience.  There are truly innovative opportunities to apply the technologies to solve operational, care and support challenges across the continuum from the worried well through pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment.  It has been exciting to talk with staff about their specific needs and matching technologies that will help accomplish the job.

I've shared examples of these over the years in my blog posts, book and articles (see left column).  Some of my early favorites are outlined as my best practice examples.  All it takes is a little imagination, thinking thought the purpose, goals and processes and building in the appropriate management structure.

Once you get beyond the initial thinking and planning, consider these 4 social media strategies to build patient loyalty by engaging consumers in two-way conversations. 

• Incorporate humor
• Integrate your social media channels
• Keep the budget low
• Tie Social Media to Service Lines

 

Comments

[Marko Desic]

Health care still hesitate to use social media
but this is one of the really great examples. I'm sure beside baby contests there will be more good ideas, that will engage both patients and hospitals.
BTW great article!

[thielst]

Yes, Marko! It is much more than just baby contests! But, sometimes it is also good to have a little fun.