There’s a lot of research that shows that those looking for information on health issues tend to turn to the internet for solutions. A survey across Europe found that 6 out of 10 users use the internet to search for information about their health. 90% said the internet had helped them to improve their knowledge on health related subjects.
We are living in a time when without an second thought, we use the internet to satisfy our need for information and to purchase goods and services. This is the reason that if this high percentage of people are using the internet to find medical information, shouldn’t they also in the same token submit their favorite search engine when they are looking for the latest GP practice?
If they’ve recently relocated to an area that’s new or changing practices due to a different reason, patients are likely to check out the web to see what they have to offer. If your practice does have websites, you’re possibly missing the most lucrative chance to gain new clients.
Furthermore, patients are enthralled by the ease and efficiency of managing their health needs on the internet. We’ve previously discussed the benefits to both practices and patients of having everyday activities for patients available online, the modern consumer wants to be able to conduct transactions online. It’s an aspect of our lives that we’ve grown accustomed to.
There are many benefits of the GP practice that have a website
Enhances Efficiency
Handling patient inquiries is a lengthy and time-consuming task. It doesn’t matter if you have to answer questions regarding the opening hours of your surgery or you need to inform patients about the latest developments, like an established clinic; instead of answering phone calls or sending postal mailers all you have to do is spend just a few minutes to refresh your website.
If your patients are aware that there’s a site and they are aware of it, they will naturally go to it when they require information rather than calling or going to the office. Anything that helps practice staff save time and resources must be an enormous benefit.
Helps Patients
According to in the UK Digital Health Report, “As as well as health-related searches increasing and 58 percent of people are now using technology to monitor their health and well-being on a regular basis.”
As we’ve discussed previously that today’s consumers are naturally online when they require something. It doesn’t matter if it’s getting answers to frequently asked queries at their fingertips, registration as a new patient , or having the option to schedule an appointment or request repeat prescriptions whenever they want patients will be grateful for the fact that their doctor’s office is making all this possible. The convenience and speed of service ensure satisfied patients.
Improves Reputation
A well-designed and well-designed website for your doctor’s office allows you to display your specialties and help build confidence. It will show the fact that you practice in the present and is able to meet the needs of the demands of patients today. A GP website is a great way to provide news updates as well If your team is involved in community fundraising or events it will be able to communicate their efforts to more people and , at the same time, increase your standing as a practice that is focused on community.
Additionally, by having a platform that allows for patient comments and interactions, you’ll show patients that you truly appreciate their feedback and suggestions.
Finds you
The practice of your GP will likely be included in directories, and it should appear on Google’s Local Pack when someone seeks a GP practice within your region. The problem with directories online is that they’re rarely updated, meaning that details such as the hours of operation and contact details are out of date quite quickly. With your own site, you’ll be able update these kinds of details immediately if it changes.
Referring back in time to Google Local Pack, this is a crucial delivery system for contact information , and is popular with internet users. Its Local Pack provides a list of results on the page. Since the beginning of the year it is just the three highest ranked businesses or service providers within a particular region are listed within this Local Pack, although it is possible to click on’more places’ to see more results. It’s obviously more beneficial however to be listed in the top three lists however, this is unlikely to happen unless the company is able to have a website linked to its list.
Serves as a Health Care Resource
This post began by discussing the fact that six out of 10 Europeans prefer to search for information about their health on the internet. Imagine that your GP practice was recognized to your patients and even a larger audience as a valuable health source, what would that affect your image? Additionally, how would it improve your self-care tools as well as another tried and tested way to reduce pressure on staff.
Incredibly, according to research of research institute Archives of Disease in Childhood 60 percent of the information on the internet is incorrect. The study found that when the search for details on UK websites about five commonly-cited problems, such as breastfeeding and autism, found that only 200 out of 500 websites provided accurate information. If you’re worried that your patients may be fearing their families and themselves without justification by using inaccurate information – maybe your GPs have seen it in person with patients who show up to appointments by their personal (incorrect) self-diagnosis thanks to Dr Google and your website, you can provide them with reliable sources of information you trust to be reliable.
Effective for patient signage
Practices of GPs are constantly looking for new methods to assist their patients in picking the right option. There is no simpler and faster way to do this than by utilizing GP websites.
In Conclusion
It’s easy to understand the reason why a practice of a doctor should have websites There are a lot of benefits both for the patient and practice.
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