A Plea for the Healthcare Industry to Join Social Media
There is a growing need for the healthcare industry to have a social presence, but there are only a handful of hospitals and doctors that are willing to help people on Facebook and other social networks. This could be very lucrative because people not only trust these hospitals more, but they are more willing to recommend them. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to social media and the healthcare industry.
Common Conversations
Many people think that social media users are tightlipped about their medical problems, but this isn’t the case. For example, about 28 percent of people will openly support a healthcare cause, even if it’s unpopular. More than 20 percent will talk about their doctors or personal health, and about 24 percent will commonly talk about new advancements in healthcare.
This should be more than enough incentive for hospitals and doctors to join the conversations. Millions of people want to discuss the healthcare industry, but relatively few representatives are there to guide and take advantage of these conversations.
Automatic Trust
Another reason why the healthcare industry should enter the social media world is because there is an automatic level of trust that people have in doctors and certain healthcare establishments. This isn’t just because doctors are considered authorities in their field.
Many other authorities and major establishments, like drug manufacturers and personal trainers, aren’t trust nearly as much as doctors and nurses. More than 50 percent of Internet users will trust doctors, which makes it very easy for the healthcare industry to create a social presence.
Small Social Presence
Although it would be lucrative and easy for every hospital to have a social presence, the unfortunate truth is that only a small handful actually have a Facebook account or blog. Only slightly more than 1,500 hospitals actively maintain a social presence.
If more would join social networks, then there could be some major advancements in terms of the establishing a connection with clients, but this currently isn’t the case.
The healthcare industry is always booming, but many hospitals and doctors are refusing to use social media for one reason or another. This is unfortunate for both sides because potential customers can’t talk to doctors, and doctors are shunning a major marketing method. Those who are embracing this change have significantly increased their number of clients.
Source: Master of Health Administration Degree Guide
Posted in Social Networking.
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