A vision for bringing Healthcare online
Once providers have created their own web presence, they then need to become aware of the web presence they can’t directly control. Therefore, providers need to periodically “Google” themselves to see what information comes up. Check for inaccuracies. Imagine the confusion patients must feel when searching for a hospital and finding the wrong address.
Google Maps now has a feature that pulls together the mapped location of a place and organizes other information found on the Web about that place. Through this places page or through the Google Local Business Center, organizations can verify their listings with Google and make corrections.
While “Googling” yourself, look and see what other information may appear. Maybe there are patient reviews of doctors. Read them. Notice if any ads appear on the sidebar. Is a competitor advertising? Periodically check Google and see what new information has been added. If checking Google on a regular basis is too much of a chore, then set automatic Google searches for your organization. These searches will email you when new content on your search appears on Google.
These are only the first steps providers need to take as they move online. Once these are in place, it will be easier for healthcare organizations to add capabilities and increase their web presence, bringing the industry closer to streamlining workflows and providing patients with the functionality they want.
With Thanks to Ovum