Should Healthcare Organizations Use Social Media?

Author:

Jason S. Lee, Caitlin Lorincz, Erica Drazen, Tracey Mayberry, Linda Ricca

Related Content

Download: Should Healthcare Organizations Use Social Media? (PDF, 584 KB)

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Social media is the process of people using online tools and platforms to share content and information through conversation and communication. It may be the most important change in the way we communicate since Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440.

Healthcare organizations are using social media as an important tool to connect consumers and providers. Early adopters show that social media can be used to influence customers and accomplish strategic healthcare goals.

You cannot afford to take a “wait-and-see” approach or you may soon find yourself trying to catch up with competitors. Even if you do not currently have an active social media presence, your employees and customers are already using social media. Start now, start small and measure progress. Take precautions: develop a policy to govern your employees’ use of social media. Also use social media to monitor, enhance and protect your brand/reputation.

In addition, social media can be a powerful tool to effectively recruit new staff. Plan a strategy for how social media can help you accomplish your strategic organizational goals.