I have had a passion for online communication and practice management for quite some time, so when Linked In sent me this blog as part of my subscription my two worlds had come together. There was someone else out there who could not only see the benefits of social media in healthcare but also provided a pragmatic approach entering this arena. For most clients I recommend a basic website that initially acts as a static brochure of their practice. To get in the game with something that looks professional look to spend between $500 to $1000. This will allow people that are searching for you to find you i.e. that GP Registrar looking for their next placement or that patient who wants a doctor with an interest in travel medicine. Now that you have created a passive presence take the next step and engage the patients you already have.
Every three years general practices jump through a series of hoops so that they can remain eligible for the Practice Incentive Program payments. About this time there is a mad rush to get patient feedback and in the name of continuous quality improvement actually do something with it. Rather than stress out try this approach, use Survey Monkey, Mail Chimp or some other email application to survey your patients. Of course get their permission first but you get targeted information and is far more efficient then the old paper surveys. I would also think it makes sense since so many surgeries went through the pain of going paperless.
Although Howard Luks, MD is an American Physician what he has to say about social media rings true for us here on the Apple Isle.
Peace,
Michael J. Sims
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/12/complete-guide-planning-social-media-presence-healthcare.html
