unhappy client would tell 10. Nowadays
happy and unhappy clients (patients)
tell hundreds of people via Facebook,
Twitter and doctor-rating websites.
way consumers research and select
goods and services, as well as sharing
their experiences and opinions. A good
marketing strategy should include
social media-awareness procedures.
it allows the practice to raise awareness
of its services and practitioners,
communicate with consumers and create
a reliable source of health information.
INTO PRACTICE
the systems you develop for your
practice is to document all key aspects
of operation.
information available. Outsource the
development of the systems, policies
and procedures if you do not have
the time, resources or personnel to
complete the task. When outsourcing,
ensure the finished product is specific
and relevant to your practice, and that
practitioners and staff can provide
input and feedback. Commitment to
following policies and procedures is
greater if personnel have contributed to
their development.
into account internal and external
changes affecting the practice. Have
systems in place to notify practice staff
of changes to existing policies and
procedures or the addition of
training programs include the most
up-to-date versions.
should investigate options that allow
for practical, relevant, up-to-date
policies and procedures. The days of
having no documented policies and
procedures, or a manual collecting dust
on a shelf, should be long gone.
accessible, can be customised and are
specific to the type of practice you run.
changes and provide continuity of
knowledge, and they will definitely add
to the value and marketability of the
practice. Your patients will appreciate the
high standards of patient care and your
referrers will feel confident knowing your
communication and follow-up procedures
will support good patient outcomes.
and manage risks in the practice, add
consistency to processes and will enable
them to be part of an effective and
adaptive practice.