A recent report on healthcare professional from the USA stated that nearly two-thirds of physicians found that the standard of care they provided was enhanced when their practice utilised social media. The explanation being that it offered a simple solution to consult with patients as well as connect with younger people in the community.
In this article, we’ll look at four social media strategies outlined in the report in which practice managers can use to improve engagement with their patients.
Table of Contents
1. Receive Feedback From Patients (Both Positive and Negative)
Social media platforms, like Facebook, can empower patients to offer immediate feedback on your services. This can highlight the practice’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Consequently, this data may be used for planning future service alterations and tailoring development programs.
By responding to and acting upon both positive and negative feedback, you will be showing the public, as well as CQC inspectors, that the practice is flexible to the needs of their patients. Make sure you document all instances where you communicate directly with patients and have used their feedback to shape decision-making in your practice.
2. Provide Health Advice In The Form Of Tips and Infographics
It is important to provide information on the primary health issues of your community and link your help with healthcare institutions such as the NHS and clinical studies. Social media is an excellent method to connect with patients and form good relations with those in your community. A practice can become the wellspring of good advice, in an on-line world saturated in health misinformation. Your patients will trust your opinion and likely share this information with their family and friends.
By receiving and acting upon feedback, you will be evidencing that you will adjust to the requirements of the community, make changes to your practice’s guidelines and training, and take patients comments seriously.
Useful Tip: Ensure that appointment cards, waiting room notice boards, as well as other printed materials, publicise your social media campaigns, to let people know that your practice utilises these platforms.
3. Connect With The Community
If your practice holds meetings or health advice workshops, social media can be a fantastic way of getting the word out to the local population; thus ensuring a successful turnout.
It is vital to ensure you have permission to use patient’s stories in workshops and social media campaigns. If a patient can be involved and share their health story directly with your followers, or possibly via a video, the message becomes even more powerful. People who may be undergoing similar health issue will enjoy viewing other individuals achievements; as well as increase their self-confidence and awareness that they are not alone.
CQC Compliance and Expert Medical Calibration Services
Finally, be aware that the CQC inspector will have reviewed your website, social media accounts, patient comments, and observations on the NHS Choices site − you should do the same during the two-week notice period. Forewarned is forearmed. Another key component of CQC inspection is demonstrating compliance with medical equipment standards. Forest Medical can provide comprehensive Medical Calibration Services for healthcare professionals and individuals. If you need Medical Equipment Calibration and testing, then their expert team of highly trained engineers can help you.