The patient-provider relationship, and the trust on which it’s built, is foundational to the practice of medicine.
Patients exhibit better health outcomes when they perceive a better relationship with their healthcare provider. They’re more likely to ask questions, be honest about their symptoms, and comply with medical advice. They’re also more inclined to feel secure and cared for.
But there are competing forces that limit the amount of time you can spend with a patient and how much information you can provide during that time.
In our digital age, where people use the internet for everything from purchasing a car to looking for a date, healthcare providers should be harnessing the power of the web to enhance their patient relationships and build trust and loyalty.
A blog is an ideal way to do this.
Here are six reasons why doctors should start their own blog:
Reason 1. Your patients want to hear from you
Your patients look to you for their most personal needs. You’re the one who helps them when they are feeling fragile and vulnerable. They want to be more connected to you and know what you think. Aside from showing up at your patient’s door, blogging is the most personal way to speak directly to them. It’s also much quicker and easier than house calls.
Reason 2. You will become a thought leader in your community
You have your finger on the pulse of health trends, threats, and treatments – information your patients and community would value. When you share what you know, you become a thought leader. Your website doesn’t need an A-Z list like the Mayo Clinic, but your local perspective is uniquely important.
Reason 3. Your patients need factual information
The health information that your patients receive today online and through social media varies from highly credible to dangerous. Considering the noise and misinformation that’s out there, your input is desperately needed.
Reason 4. Your practice will benefit
What are the biggest pain points for you and your staff? A blog can be used to communicate things you want your patients to know that will make your day easier.
Reason 5. You will have an outlet for your voice and personality
A blog is an outlet for sharing your views about patient care, best practices, and the healthcare system. It’s also a great way to express your personality and allow your patients to know you better and feel more connected.
Reason 6. Patients will choose your practice and stay there
Competition is real in the healthcare environment. Walmart and CVS are opening primary care clinics. Offshore telehealth options are popping up right and left. It won’t be long before Amazon and Facebook are in on the game too. In an age where technology rules and instant gratification is the norm, what will keep your patients from jumping ship? One factor is trust and the loyalty it produces. An engaging and credible blog that speaks directly to your patient audience will set you apart from the faceless competition and position you as a trusted partner in care.
If you’re ready to step into the wide world of blogging, that’s great. Stay tuned to my website for tips for doctors on creating your blogging presence and writing to engage, inform, and persuade.
No doubt, blogging is an investment in your time and energy (two things in short supply these days), but when done right, it can be a magnet that brings you and your patients together.
And if you’d like a partner in blogging crime, contact me and we can discuss what that might look like.
