For healthcare providers already navigating big changes, social*media presents yet another challenge—and opportunity. While*some health organizations are social pioneers, many are just*beginning to address the need for a comprehensive social*media policy and strategy.
Healthcare providers of all sizes need to act now to mitigate*risks and put the power of social networks to work to increase*revenue, cut costs, and enhance the quality of patient care.*By building on the experience, expertise, and services of others,*they can accelerate the process of becoming a social enterprise.
Why social media—why now?

Social networks have become an integral part of healthcare. Hospitals have Facebook pages.*Physicians tweet with relevant medical updates. Patients consider the comments of strangers*when making medical decisions.
Social media offers hope for better health outcomes by enabling fast, broad dissemination of*medical information. Social networks provide non-official channels for disease reporting. They*provide timely access to large amounts of data that can help track and even predict the course*of illness through a population. They educate hard-to-reach populations. They enable patients*around the world to find and connect others with the same disorder or disease to share both*practical advice and emotional support.



Tags:
HP




More...