Healthcare communications have changed drastically since the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic has forced healthcare organizations to re-evaluate how they communicate with patients, staff, and the public. One thing is for sure, the way healthcare communicates will never be the same. Here's a look at how healthcare communications have changed in a post-COVID world.
Virtual Care Options are Now the Norm
Prior to COVID-19, virtual care options such as telehealth were mostly used as a last resort. Patients would only turn to telehealth if they couldn't get an appointment with their provider or if they were located in a rural area. Now, virtual care is being used more than ever before. In fact, 74% of patients say they're now more open to using virtual care options such as telehealth and e-visits (source).
One of the reasons why virtual care has become so popular is because it's convenient. Patients can see their providers from the comfort of their own homes without having to take time off work or deal with traffic. Virtual care is also seen as a safer option since it eliminates the risk of exposure to illness.
In addition, providers are now offering more virtual care options such as group visits and classes. This gives patients more ways to connect with their providers and get the information and support they need.
Communications Have Become More Personalized
The pandemic has also led to more personalized communications from healthcare organizations. Organizations are using data to segment their audiences and tailor their messages accordingly. For example, hospitals may target pregnant women with messages about getting the flu vaccine or new parents with information about child safety. By segmenting their audiences and sending personalized messages, healthcare organizations are able to better meet the needs of their patients and staff.
Digital Channels are Now More Important Than Ever
The pandemic has also led to an increase in the use of digital channels such as email, text messaging, and social media. This is because digital channels allow organizations to reach a larger audience with their messages quickly and easily. Digital channels are also less expensive than traditional channels such as television and print media.
The pandemic has changed healthcare communications in a number of ways. One of the most notable changes is the increased use of virtual care options such as telehealth. The pandemic has also led to more personalized communications from healthcare organizations. Finally, digital channels such as email, text messaging, and social media are now more important than ever before for healthcare organizations looking to reach a wide audience quickly and easily.