A GUIDE TO USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE

HEALTH INDUSTRY

More than 1 in 3 people use social media to look for information on healthcare.

It is more important than ever that healthcare organisations take advantage of social media in order to better promote their products and services and build lasting relationships with their customer base.

MEDICAL TRAINING Implement the networking tools in line with your medical

training program. Healthcare training is a complex process Being able to leverage the power of social media can provide

significant benefits to the training experience. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and medical specific

communities like Sermo give students and teachers a place to share and collaborate on information

As well as an opportunity to ask questions and increase their knowledge.

The live response nature of Twitter gives presenters the chance to receive immediate feedback, useful if the information is unclear or if more guidance is needed.

Social media sites also provide a platform for healthcare organisations to share their communications and marketing efforts to a wider audience

Make use of presentations, videos, slideshows and pictures.

GET YOUR VOICE HEARD More and more journalists are using social media in

order to source and break stories quicker Social sites are often ahead of traditional print

media in being able to provide live stories and reaction to news across the world.

Social media channels are a highly effective means to generating media coverage and stories on the issues prevalent to your organisation.

With global healthcare a widely discussed issue, this can be successful in getting the voice and thoughts of healthcare organisations out to a wider audience.

Make use of social network sites, blogs and forums to share information and enhance your healthcare PR

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS Healthcare and aid organisations are often

pushed to the forefront during times of crisis.

Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes place hospitals and other healthcare organisations at the centre.

Social media allows for real time communications and updates to be provided to all those affected or concerned by the incident

Social media ensures important information reaches those needing it, in a timely and convenient manner.

LIVE TWEETING Social media can help in providing

access to the inner workings of healthcare organisations.

By giving the general public a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes, social media can aid in raising awareness for a healthcare organisation or particular health issue.

One hospital even went so far as to live tweet a procedure which drew in doctors and medical students from around the world to follow the event.

INFORM PATIENTS Close to 75% of patients use the internet to source medical

information when awaiting or following a medical appointment.

It is important for healthcare organisations to inform patients as often and quickly as possible.

Social media can act as a further communication channel, allowing organisations and patients to share accurate information in a quick and convenient manner.

Social sites and forums provide places for patients to share health problems and concerns with genuine professionals in a safe environment.

Whether it is collaborating on ground-breaking research, keeping people up to date on the latest news or simply providing a more pleasant and caring patient experience, the benefits from social media are vast and can be a major player in the communications and marketing of any healthcare organisation.