Health care professionals can use social media to increase Web presence, communicate with peers, and engage with patients. Although older adults may feel uneasy engaging with other healthcare professionals on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, educators can teach them how to use social media tools to find local health classes and services. This post explores different types of online health communities for seniors including blogs, discussion boards, and social networking sites like Facebook.
Social Media is not new to us, we have been living it for a long time now. From face book, blogs and others you can name. The question is relevant since Facebook and Twitter are two of the top social media websites.
Social Media Tools Every Healthcare Provider Needs
Google Reviews
When a consumer searches a business on Google, the business’s information will appear in a chart within the Google search results. The chart includes data such as the business’s photo, phone number, Google Maps directions, how many stars the business was rated (out of five) and user reviews.
Did a patient mention his or her wonderful experience at your office? Your healthcare business can remind consumers to leave a review on Google. Studies show that 42 percent of users searching online for health information turn to these consumer reviews for their health-related information. Businesses have the opportunity to reply to these reviews in real time, which will show consumers that the business is prompt and cares about consumer opinions/concerns.
Blogs
Blogging is the best way to get your voice out to the online population, and blogs have a high potential of showing up in online searches. A blog allows you to be seen as an expert in your field and the content you share has endless possibilities–you can write a blog on new industry trends, link to your website or social media accounts, or even add photos and video. Blogging is a creative outlet that gives you an opportunity to educate and build a relationship with your readers. Many blogs are now accompanied by video.
Video
Today’s consumers are constantly switching their focus from website to website, especially on their mobile devices. The best way to capture their attention is with video. This resource offers consumers a visual and audio-driven experience that can easily and quickly relay health information. Facebook, Twitter and Youtube support video, and businesses can post their original video content on these sights, as well as their own websites.
Top Ways Social Media is Used by Healthcare Professionals
Social media has become widely used by individuals and businesses to stay connected, communicate and even market products or services. As these sites evolve and become a prevalent way of reaching out to consumers, healthcare professionals are finding new, effective ways to utilize social media.
Social Media and Healthcare
Many healthcare managers are working to effectively utilize social media to engage patients and consumers. Through effective marketing and communication tactics, organizations are able to move away from traditional advertising techniques, and use the internet to connect with consumers in the healthcare field. Consumers heavily rely on information found online and use the internet to gather healthcare information and connect with other patients to garner support and learn about similar conditions. Others utilize these resources for research or to share experiences with healthcare providers and other related organizations. Patients also have a tendency to seek information via social media that assists in the selection of doctors, specialists and hospitals to make informed decisions on the best practices to seek care. Individuals will use social media to post reviews or other comments that support or possibly deter others from choosing that type of healthcare in the future. It is essential for providers to be active on social media and provide accurate information, connect with readers and implement marketing techniques where applicable.
Avoiding HIPAA Violations
The Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted by Congress in 1996 with the intent of providing patients more control over their healthcare records. HIPPA encompasses a variety of key points including:
- Reducing healthcare fraud
- Implementing industry-wide standards for information provided on electronic billing
- Providing health insurance to individuals that are changing or have lost their jobs
Advance your career in Healthcare
In terms of protecting healthcare information, HIPPA sets guidelines that pertain to the protection and confidential handling of an individual’s health records. These guidelines have become somewhat of an issue in terms of social media. Healthcare professionals cannot directly address patients through these outlets as it violates the privacy and confidentiality regulations outlined by HIPPA. Other healthcare facilities are encouraged to implement strict policies and guidelines for what employees are allowed to post on social networking websites. Some ways to avoid HIPPA violations include:
- Distribute clear social networking policies to employees
- Avoid any discussion of patients, even in general terms
- Speak generally about conditions and treatments
- Prominently post your policies and procedures on all social media platforms
- Do not practice medicine online by responding to patients offline
The Use of Social Media in Health Care
Medical professionals would do well to stay on top of social media trends so they can communicate effectively with patients.
Physicians and Doctors
Physicians can use social media tools to build interactive patient strategies, such as direct patient engagement. Through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, doctors can reach out to potential patients and share information about their medical organization or private practice.
About 44% of individuals who research hospitals and doctors online end up scheduling an appointment, according to a study by Compete, Inc. Now more than ever, the role of social media in health care can help doctors reach out to more people.
Doctors can also help facilitate patient-to-patient communication through social media platforms. By gaining a following of patients on social media, doctors not only establish a way to regularly communicate with patients, they also pave the way for patients to establish an online community and communicate with each other.
The use of social media in health care gives physicians on-the-go access to materials that can enhance their practice, such as research data and professional idea-exchange hubs. According to the Southern Medical Association, 88% of physicians research medical tools and biotech data through the internet and social media platforms.
Nurses
While patients often look to doctors as their primary care providers, nurses play a vital role in the medical field. Some advanced level nurses, such as family nurse practitioners or pediatric nurse practitioners, can serve as the primary care providers for families and children. Like doctors, nurses can use social media in health care to update patients on news from their hospital or medical facility.
Nurses can implement social media in their practices, providing a means by which parents, patients, and caregivers can ask questions and get direct answers.
Caregivers who provide medical care for family members or who are hired to take care of patients can benefit by being able to reach out to nurses through social media. According to research by Pew Research Center, 70% of the caregivers in their study said they looked online for medical advice and answers.
Nurses can also use social media to build an online community for all the nurses working in their medical facility. Since nurses work different shifts around the clock, they can use a Facebook page to help each other stay connected.
Nurses can also use social media to reach out to nurses working in other medical facilities. They can establish online communities with nurses working in similar departments across several organizations.
Conclusion
Social Media Tools for Healthcare – Social media platforms for healthcare pros and cons. Social media tools that bring you free articles in the fast lane about social media for healthcare. Learn new tips on how to use social media to increase patient engagement, lower costs, and improve quality of care.The following are examples of healthcare social media descriptions: