Social media can primarily
spread awareness about what the specific organization can offer patients in terms of medical care
. It can inform the public about what advanced technology or treatments the facility offers. Social media is also one of the most cost-effective distribution tools for health care information.
- Diversify Your Channel Mix Beyond Facebook and Twitter. …
- Vary Your Content Mix to Optimize Audience Actions. …
- Boost Top Performing Posts Organic Posts.
In spite of the advantages, users of social media encounter many challenges such as lack of reliability; lack of privacy and confidentiality; users’ and patients’ ignorance of potential risks of health information disclosure; inaccurate medical advices; adverse health consequences; negative health behaviors and …
Doctors say social media
improves the quality of care delivered to patients
. Social media educates and informs both physicians and patients. The healthcare system is more transparent regarding outcomes, cost and value. Greater trust follows positive relationships between patient and provider.
Social media use has been increasing in public health and health promotion because it can
remove geographic and physical access barriers
. However, these interventions also have the potential to increase health inequities for people who do not have access to or do not use social media.
Social media provide HCPs with tools to share information, to debate health care policy and practice issues, to promote health behaviors, to engage with the public, and to educate and interact with patients, caregivers, students, and colleagues.
- Research your customers. …
- Conduct a competitor audit. …
- Establish and maintain your brand’s voice. …
- Choose the right time and amount to post. …
- Use tools to plan and automate tasks. …
- Respond to customers promptly. …
- Tap into subject matter experts at your organization.
- Be Smart About Your Social Media Contests. …
- Don’t Rely On Auto Cross Channel Posting Settings. …
- Research Your Hashtags Before You Use Them. …
- Use Humor Sparingly. …
- Limit Employee Access To Company Social Media Accounts. …
- Optimize Your Social Profiles For Maximum Exposure. …
- Ignore Trolls.
When used cautiously, social media can provide the obvious advantages such as
professional networking, clinical education, and patients’ health promotion
. However, when used unwisely, social media has its disadvantages such as violation of patients’ confidentiality and privacy and can lead to formidable consequences.
HCPs take extreme caution in sharing information online, afraid that it
patient’s privacy
. To avoid this, all healthcare providers should adhere to the HIPAA Compliance which is a set of regulatory rules concerning the privacy, security, and integrity of confidential health information.
Social media use by patients was found to affect the healthcare professional and patient relationship, by leading to
more equal communication between the patient and healthcare professional, increased switching of doctors, harmonious relationships, and suboptimal interaction between the patient and healthcare
…
It only makes sense for healthcare marketers to present their practices as leaders in their respective specialties. From showing off employees in action to local advocacy efforts, social media
allows practices to be more transparent and personable to prospective patients
.
Utilizing Social Media
To
gather feedback and improve quality
, social media interaction can provide doctors and physicians with immediate responses from individuals to help understand common reactions to medications, as well as overall consensus from patients on new techniques in the industry.
Organizations such as healthcare institutions and public health agencies increasingly use social media to improve community wellness by
encouraging information sharing and making it possible for consumers to share information rapidly
. This activity promotes relevant change in both individual and community health.
How is digital media used in healthcare services?
It includes clinical aspects such as videoconferencing among staff and transmission of medical documents for diagnosis, as well as non-clinical uses, like patient education, Continuing Medical Education (CME) for physicians and staff, and administrative communication.
- Learn everything you can about your audience. …
- Choose which networks to use (and which to ignore) …
- Have a plan. …
- Keep an eye on the competition. …
- Listen for mentions of your brand. …
- Monitor conversations that are relevant to your industry. …
- Establish your social media voice and tone.
Be sure employees understand image using rights, copyright and other legal constraints that may restrict their social media usage
. Ensure employees know not to disclose financial or legal information around customers or clients. Be clear about the boundaries of what they should and shouldn’t be sharing.
Why are the rules of engagement important for social media marketers?
They serve as a guide to help marketers avoid common mistakes that occur when first using social media
.
The importance of social media in communication is a constant topic of discussion.
Online communication has brought information to people and audiences that previously could not be reached
. It has increased awareness among people about what is happening in other parts of the world.
Why is social media important? Social media is important because
it allows you to reach, nurture, and engage with your target audience
— no matter their location. When a business can use social media to connect with its audience, it can use social media to generate brand awareness, leads, sales, and revenue.