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Stay-at-home restrictions are lifting, but the fear of getting COVID-19 or spreading it to others is tangible. This fear is holding many people from seeing a doctor for medical issues such as injuries, chronic conditions and even emergencies.
As marketers, we can allay these concerns with some tweaks to online messaging. Here are 6 tips for how to communicate with patients about non-COVID-19 care at your facility.
At this point, consumers likely know what COVID-19 is and how to lower their risk. Now, they want to know what it means for their ability to seek other types of care.
Can a patient with diabetes meet with their doctor? Can a woman get a Pap test or mammogram? What about a physical? Anticipate customers’ questions and provide helpful information affects whether people feel ready to leave the safety of their home for a doctor’s appointment.
Create text, visual and video messaging to address your audience’s most pressing COVID-19-related needs, including what services are available and how you’re keeping patients safe.
Show users that you’re staying current with COVID-19 guidelines. Precautions and best practices continue to evolve, and most users know this. Adding a publication date at the top of COVID-19 pages (and changing it when you make updates) lets users know your system is staying on top of the situation.
Seeking care in this phase of the epidemic is a new frontier, and many patients don’t know what to expect. Each state has its timeline for opening medical practices and in some cases, guidelines differ by medical specialty. Your patients have likely been putting off care appointments and are curious about how much longer they should wait.
You may offer more care options than you did during pre-COVID-19 times. Perhaps you’ve ramped up telehealth services and other virtual appointment options. While technology is giving patients more ways to connect with physicians, people might be feeling overwhelmed.
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Patients may be wondering: Can a sudden rash be treated via telehealth? Or do I need an in-person appointment? Can nagging symptoms of a previous injury be evaluated over the phone? Which non-COVID-19 symptoms require a trip to the emergency room?
Let patients know they are not alone in determining which care option is best for their needs. Include messaging that they are welcome to call and ask for assistance when in doubt.
With so much media coverage about COVID-19’s burden on ERs, many people are thinking twice about seeking emergency care. But by now, hospitals have strategies for isolating COVID-19 cases and alleviating strain on their system.
Update your emergency department page to let patients know they can and should seek services in the ER. Share some of the precautions you’re taking to isolate patients with COVID-19 — even in the waiting room.
For instance, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has a dedicated page explaining the safety precautions they are taking at their ERs and Urgent Care centers.
Visiting a clinic or hospital is a much different experience than it used to be. Help patients prepare by describing new policies in a “planning your visit” section on your website. This section is also a great place to describe the extra steps you’re taking to help patients have a safe experience.
Our president Ahava Leibtag is saving 10-minute blocks for virtual sessions with people after the webinar. Book a time to talk to her about your content issues — and get her advice!
The original version of this page was published at: https://ahamediagroup.com/blog/2020/06/6-tips-encouraging-patients-seek-non-covid-19-care/