Question

 

PHC 212

What do you think is the best media method for Communicating Effectively with Patients, and why ?

Answer 1

There are so many methods to communicate with patients through media method.Consider these communication channels to increase patient attention and improve overall patient communication.

1. Email

Email is one of the easiest and quickest communication channels. Email can be used to send appointment confirmations, reminders, and post-visit surveys. According to the Litmus State of Email Report, 72 percent of people still prefer email communication.

Sending out a survey through email can help engage patients and strengthen your reputation by listening to your patients’ feedback. Email can also help reduce late appointments, no-shows, and cancellations — leading to higher patient retention. When sending patients an email, be brief and accurate, and give patients all the information they need. This should be an easy read for patients, and will answer frequently asked questions.

2. Text

Text messages are a quick and easy way to say, “Please confirm your appointment,” or “Don’t forget your upcoming appointment!” Patients will appreciate this in their busy lives, especially the millennial generation. According to Forbes, millennials appreciate text messages because they are instant and can be read or exchanged at any time. Millennials also think that texting is a good form of communication because it is more likely to be read immediately compared to other communication methods.

According to the International Journal on Pediatrics, text message reminders and confirmations have been proven to be successful in improving show rates for appointments and improving patient attention.

Text messages can be used in addition to other communication channels mentioned here. Send a text confirmation to confirm your patient’s appointment, and then again right before they are supposed to come into the office.

3. Patient Portals

Patient portals allow patients to access their medical information at their own convenience. The accessibility and the effortless use of communication channels like patient portals lead to positive attitudes from patients and can help improve practice success.

According to a Annals of Internal Medicine study, patients are happy with patient portals not only because they can use it at their own convenience, but also because of the security and privacy aspect of it. Here are a few important ways a patient portal can improve patient retention and patient marketing:

• Access information at personal convenience
• Less administrative clutter for the office
• Immediate responses to FAQ’s
• 24/7 access to medical records

4. Social media

It shows that almost 70 percent of the population is active on at least one social media platform, so why not reach your patients through social media? Social media is a communication channel that can be used to share helpful information related to your practice and specialty, answer common patient questions, and can also be used to promote discounts offered by your practice. You can include photos, links, and blog posts to keep your audience engaged.

5. Blog

A blog can be a good source for patients to read more about your specialty. It can also be helpful for patients to learn more about what’s going on in current news topics, and can be a good source for them to learn more about their own health. You can even promote your blog through emails and social media.

To keep your audience engaged, you should keep your blog up-to-date and post on a regular schedule. You can include information about what’s new at your practice, current deals, or current news topics about your specialty or the health field.

6. Review Websites

Many providers avoid using review websites, often because they don’t know how to handle negative feedback. But studies show patients — particularly those looking for a new provider — check review sites often, so providers should integrate them into their patient marketing efforts.

To get the most out of review websites, always remember to put your best foot forward. It can be beneficial to reply to your reviews, both good and bad. Use review websites to tell patients more about you, and correct any misperceptions about you or your practice. And remember to never violate HIPAA guidelines when replying to reviews.

Improving communication with your patients can always prove valuable. Try a new method — or multiple — and see what works for your patients. This will help your long-term relationship and increase patient attention.