How To Stay Engaged With Your Patients, Especially During A Health Crisis

Every industry has been affected by the impacts of COVID-19, and lives have been disrupted in various ways. Our essential healthcare workers need to be at hospitals and operate on the front lines to help patients. Healthcare professionals have to play an important role: They need to be there to support their patients throughout this crisis. During this uncertain time, healthcare professionals must stay connected with their patients so that they can combat anxiety and dispel the myths surrounding the pandemic.

Whether in crisis or times of normalcy, one key way to stay in touch with patients and maintain a strong relationship is consistent communication. Sending your patients emails or texts, talking to them and directing them to reliable sources to get the right information can strengthen their trust and help them when they need it most.

Based on my own experience as the product marketing manager for a healthcare reputation management platform, I know how important this communication between healthcare workers and patients can be. So, here are some important steps healthcare professionals should take to stay engaged with their patients.

1. Educate Your Patients

Reach out to your patients to answer any questions they might have and educate them on tips. An easy way to do this is by using a broadcast messenger. This will allow you to send customized emails or text messages to your patients to give them updated information, or to share any specific announcement, such as updated office hours, telemedicine offers, specific services, etc.

Since information is continuously updated with new data during a health crisis, it becomes even more necessary for you to pass along that updated information to your patients. The more your patients learn about the virus, the better precautions they can take to avoid the spread. It’s important to answer your patients’ questions since they may be misled by unsubstantiated claims or advertisements.

2. Improve Your Social Media Presence

One way to improve your social media presence is to post images and videos with updated information. Diversifying your content will help you reach individuals who view content in different ways.

Posting interviews with medical professionals who answer questions about the coronavirus, for instance, is an excellent way to present research as it unfolds. The content you post on social media can help demonstrate your authority on a given topic, which helps build a loyal following and engagement.

3. Offer Telemedicine And Online Support

Telemedicine is used through virtual video calls that allow for online consultations and appointments. This option has taken society into the modern age, as it has become a solution to communicating electronically with patients.

Telemedicine has been an important key in keeping healthcare operations strong throughout the COVID-19 crisis, keeping people away from hospitals and healthcare offices where viruses are more likely to spread. When using telemedicine, you send a meaningful message to your patients that you are playing a role in preventing the spread.

To gauge the satisfaction level of your patients, you can distribute surveys related to telemedicine visits. This will help you know whether patients are satisfied with their virtual visits. Based on the patients’ feedback, you can improve the service to enhance patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

COVID-19 took the world by surprise, but healthcare operations can maintain a positive image by initiating proper care and quick response. More than ever before, healthcare professionals must build lasting relationships with patients. By sharing the most relevant information and offering unconditional support, healthcare professionals can strengthen their communication efforts — both during this crisis and long-term".

This article originally appeared on Forbes Communication Council as “How To Stay Engaged With Your Patients, Especially During A Health Crisis"