1. More than 1 in 3 people use social media to look for
information on healthcare.
It is more important than ever that healthcare organisations
take advantage of social media in order to better promote
their products and services and build lasting relationships with
their customer base.

2.  Implement the networking tools in line with your medical training
program.
 Healthcare training is a complex process
 Being able to leverage the power of social media can provide
significant benefits to the training experience.
 Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and medical specific
communities like Sermo give students and teachers a place to
share and collaborate on information
 As well as an opportunity to ask questions and increase their
knowledge.
 The live response nature of Twitter gives presenters the chance
to receive immediate feedback, useful if the information is
unclear or if more guidance is needed.
 Social media sites also provide a platform for healthcare
organisations to share their communications and marketing
efforts to a wider audience
 Make use of presentations, videos, slideshows and pictures.

3.  More and more journalists are using social media
in order to source and break stories quicker
 Social sites are often ahead of traditional print
media in being able to provide live stories and
reaction to news across the world.
 Social media channels are a highly effective
means to generating media coverage and stories
on the issues prevalent to your organisation.
 With global healthcare a widely discussed issue,
this can be successful in getting the voice and
thoughts of healthcare organisations out to a
wider audience.
 Make use of social network sites, blogs and
forums to share information and enhance your
healthcare PR

4.  Healthcare and aid organisations are often
pushed to the forefront during times of crisis.
 Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes
place hospitals and other healthcare
organisations at the centre.
 Social media allows for real time
communications and updates to be provided to
all those affected or concerned by the incident
 Social media ensures important information
reaches those needing it, in a timely and
convenient manner.

5.  Social media can help in providing access to
the inner workings of healthcare
organisations.
 By giving the general public a glimpse of
what goes on behind the scenes, social media
can aid in raising awareness for a healthcare
organisation or particular health issue.
 One hospital even went so far as to live
tweet a procedure which drew in doctors and
medical students from around the world to
follow the event.

6.  Close to 75% of patients use the internet to source medical
information when awaiting or following a medical
appointment.
 It is important for healthcare organisations to inform
patients as often and quickly as possible.
 Social media can act as a further communication channel,
allowing organisations and patients to share accurate
information in a quick and convenient manner.
 Social sites and forums provide places for patients to share
health problems and concerns with genuine professionals
in a safe environment.
 Whether it is collaborating on ground-breaking research,
keeping people up to date on the latest news or simply
providing a more pleasant and caring patient experience,
the benefits from social media are vast and can be a major
player in the communications and marketing of any
healthcare organisation.