81% of Americans actively use some form of social media, and it is rapidly changing the healthcare industry as we know it by accelerating the shift to consumer-driven care. As a result, easily accessible tools such as websites, blogs, and social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, 
and Twitter) can all be used to help increase engagement and improve the patient care experience. These platforms empower patients by encouraging them to leave doctor reviews, ratings, and make referrals based on their experiences. However, this type of consumer-driven care requires significant responsibility on the part of the doctors and the facilities they work for.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Therapeutics cites that active use of online tools for doctor reputation management can lead to enhanced professional networks, greater credibility, and increased brand awareness. The study also found that misinformation can permanently damage a healthcare providers reputation.
How important is it for healthcare providers to have a powerful online presence?
- Twitter shares 65-million tweets daily
- YouTube has over 2-billion views daily
- More than 1/7thof the world’s population can be found on Facebook
Positive doctor reviews are great but one bad doctor review can permanently damage a healthcare providers reputation. Effective online reputation management allows healthcare providers to:
- Increase brand awareness
- Create a target audience
- Build trust
- Gain credibility
- Actively engage with potential patients
Having an online presence is also an advantage for patients because it allows providers to offer additional services such as:
- Telehealth
- Encrypted email systems
- Patient medical record portals via their website
Incorporating these additional services helps to boost business, increase engagement, and improve the overall patient experience. It helps providers to strengthen patient-centered care because it expands patients’ options to interact with their provider.
One survey cites that:
- 42% of people read health related-consumer reviews
- 32% of Americans share their health status on social media
- 80% of active internet users are searching for health-related information
- Approximately 50% of internet users seeking health information are searching for a specific doctor or other medical professional
According to information published by the Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry(MD+DI), 60% of consumers trust online posts made by healthcare providers. The most active user groups are individuals with a disability and those who suffer from chronic diseases as they seek support for coping with their impairment or disease. Patients are no longer afraid to speak up about their experiences and to leave candid provider reviews. Therefore, online doctor reputation management has become essential to building rapport. Establishing a holistic online presence helps healthcare organizations to boost business, increase engagement, and improve the overall patient experience.
MAKE PATIENTS YOUR GREATEST BRAND AMBASSADORS
Improving patient experience should be your number one goal as a healthcare marketer. By doing this you can make patients your #1 brand ambassadors.
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Sources:
- Health Research Institute. (2012). Social media “likes” healthcare. Retrieved from: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/health-industries/health-research-institute/publications/pdf/health-care-social-media-report.pdf.
- Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry. (n.d.). 5 facts how patients and providers are using social media infographic. Retrieved from: https://www.mddionline.com.
- Ventola, C. (2014). Social media and health care professionals: Benefits, risks, and best practices. Journal of Pharmacy and Therapeutics. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103576/.
POSTED ON:
August 10, 2018
By
Michael Winkleman |
Misc
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About the Author:
Michael is the CEO of PatientX, a fast-growing healthcare marketing and branding firm. PatientX strategically develops digital innovations and strategic ideas to encourage patients to view their healthcare providers with a fresh, forward-thinking perspective, and, thus, to nurture better relationships between patient and provider. In his role as CEO, Michael takes great pleasure in helping healthcare providers and healthcare B2B clients with the unique challenges they face. With over 15 years in his field, Michael is no stranger to the challenges one faces in marketing and branding, and he is able to draw from his deep well of experience to deliver optimal strategies and solutions.