Should GPs embrace digital channels to communicate?

Across the globe there are GPs and GP surgeries that have chosen to fully embrace the digital world. This creates the opportunity to get the GPs name out there in the social sphere, Dr. Christian for example from Channel 4 Embarrassing Bodies fame has a large following of his peers as well as the general public. However, in the UK, not every GP has taken it upon themselves to realise the opportunity digital offers them, and we believe they should

How digital and social media can help

Technology and social media have become the norm in everyone’s life. That means for GPs both their patients and potential employees are using digital channels and offers them a quick and easy way to communicate.  In the UK it is almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t use the internet, in fact most people use the internet on multiple devices, PC, tablet and phone.

We’re not suggesting consulting over the internet, although that in itself is a topic for hot debate with GPs using Skype hitting the headlines, however common ailments, knowledge banks and symptom checkers are all useful tools that GPs could communicate to help patients.

So, how can you communicate?

There are two main social media channels that you could use to communicate with patients and your local community, Twitter and Facebook.

Twitter
There are several #hours across Twitter that offer local people the chance to engage with each other across a wide variety of topics. If you find your local #worcesterhour, #covhour and participate at the right times using the #hashtag you have an instant way to reach your local target audience, it could be with information regarding the latest NHS campaigns, advice on stopping smoking or finding local support groups.
Again, by following other GPs and key medical bodies you can not only gain insight but also be able to pass on through retweets interesting and topic advice and trends to your followers. This will also give you an opportunity to communicate with your peers on a range of trends, data and information.

Facebook
The personal social media channel is a great place to show your face in the community and reach your patients at a personal level. Again there are groups on Facebook for local communities and events which all offer a chance to communicate. You can pass on information about drop in clinics, advice on common problems, like the best way to overcome flu or the common cold. Tips on staying healthy and where to find advice and guidance on any health related matter.

The key to all this is ensuring everything links back to your own practice website. You want to become the local knowledge hub for all health related matters. Ensure your website has your twitter feed and the answers to any questions you’ve answered. If your website is the go to place for health advice in your area then you can cut down the amount of enquiries you get for common problems.