Chris Foster, principal at Booz Allen Hamilton consulting firm, recently provided insight about how social media is changing the traditional doctor/patient relationship. His three ways include: patient empowerment, real-time information and instantaneous feedback, and improved doctor/patient relationships1. As TSI Healthcare also explores the benefits of social media, let’s explore how social media empowers patients and providers and real-time information with instantaneous feedback improves doctor/patient relationship.
Patients are entering their doctors’ offices armed with more information and ready to advocate for their health needs. This information is coming from health forums like WebMD, twitter, peer discussions, and the use of powerful search engines. Websites similar to the college staple ratemyprof.com allow patients to essentially “ratemydoc” and compare experiences and options available to them. The massive amount of information allows patients to possess more control over their healthcare experience.
Real-time information with immediate feedback particularly panders to the millennial generation who tends to seek constant connection. Other generations can also take advantage of this increased communication. Elders struggling with chronic diseases can post daily self-test measures to be monitored by a physician or nurse with feedback for that day. Patient portals are particularly useful for physician offices attempting to increase their doctor/patient relationship. For example, TSI Healthcare’s Patient Portal allows patients to “ask a nurse” or “ask a billing specialist” when questions arise about prescription doses or paying their bills. In addition, millennials can take advantage of online scheduling and prescription refill requests.
The road has already been forged for you to use social media to benefit your practice. Create a free Facebook or Twitter page to keep patients up to date on events, recalls, and other important information. Or check out TSI Healthcare's twitter and facebook pages to get an idea of what you can do with such pages. If you want to take it further, use a patient portal to increase communication between the doctor and their patient creating both an empowered patient and the option for real-time information and feedback.
End Notes
1. 1. Foster, Chris. "3 ways social media is transforming the doctor-patient relationship." Government Health IT. MedTech Media, 2012. Web. 19 Jan 2012. <http://www.govhealthit.com/news/3-ways-social-media-transforming-health-care>.
