Social media is no longer a nice-to-have in your online strategy. Social media usage is expanding every day and the healthcare field is no exception. Patients want to be in control of their decision making around their healthcare and actually seek advice within their social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.
Social Media Stats for Healthcare Providers
Stats show that social media is a vital channel for healthcare providers engaging with their patients and prospective patients. Check out these stats:
- More than 40% of consumers say that information found via social media affects the way they deal with their health. (Source: Mediabistro)
- 90% of people that responded to the survey from 18 to 24 years of age said they would trust medical information shared by others on their social media networks. (Source: Search Engine Watch)
- 41% of people said social media would affect their choice of a specific doctor, hospital, or medical facility. (Source: Demi & Cooper Advertising and DC Interactive Group)
- Parents are more likely to seek medical answers online; 22% use Facebook and 20% use YouTube. Of non-parents, 14% use Facebook and 12% use YouTube to search for healthcare related topics. (Source: Mashable)
- 40% of people polled said information found on social media affects how they coped with a chronic condition, their view of diet and exercise, and their selection of a physician. (Source:HealthCare Finance News)
Hospital Readmission Rates Affect Social Media Ratings
Social media ratings even reflect your hospital readmission rates. A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine compared the Facebook ratings of 4,800 U.S. hospitals with their 30-day readmission rates. Researchers found that the average Facebook rating was higher for hospitals with lower-than-average readmission rates, while hospitals with the highest readmission rates received fewer stars from Facebook users.
The results speak for themselves: patients and caregivers use and rely on social media for healthcare decisions. How you, as a healthcare provider strategically use your social media channels in 2016 will determine the results you get.
For help in developing your social media strategy, contact Marketing Essentials today!
