Social media has moved beyond pure frivolousness and is now mainstream in society. Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and LinkedIn to name a few – now plays a meaningful role for businesses, including for medical practices and patient-provider interaction.

Many hospitals and healthcare product manufacturers are jumping on the social media bandwagon, doctors as group not so much. Although social media certainly isn’t appropriate to every situation, those who aren’t using these tools need to keep an open mind. Here are 3 reasons why:

It’s where your patients look for information.  From a March 2011 press release from Nielsen: “The most interesting data on internet usage in Australia comes from the surge in popularity in social media – not just as a means of social interaction but as a means of evaluating products and services. There has been enormous growth in the number of Australians contributing to and relying on online reviews, discussions, comments and ‘Likes’ before making a purchase.”

Nielsen found that 73% of online Australians read reviews, discussions and comments on brands, products and services at some stage, with 26% doing so on a regular basis. Overall, social media is identified as “a revolution for online Australians”. Social media provides more customer touch points, more methods of content and communication distribution and more information about consumer preferences.

Modern medicine is all about the patient. Medical professionals engaged in social network are on the front-line of new modern medicine. Social networking and blogs are a powerful platform to educate patients, raise awareness of health issues, and offer a forum to connect.

Social media is great way for the patient and provider to speak, listen, understand, learn from each other and form a better relationship.

Gain a competitive advantage. Social might just put you ahead of the competition. Taking a leadership role while others remain on the sidelines is a competitive opportunity that's worth looking at closely.

Want to know more? Talk to a business advisor today on 07 5413 9300 or drop us an email.