There’s a wealth of research that shows that those seeking information about health tend to turn to the internet for solutions. A study across Europe revealed that 6 out of 10 users go online for information on their health and 90% said the internet has helped them increase their knowledge on health related subjects.
It is no doubt that we live in an era where we do not give it any thought, we use the internet to satisfy our desire for information as well as to purchase goods and services. This is the reason that if a large percentage of people are using the internet to search for medical information, shouldn’t they in the same token give their information their favorite search engine whenever they need to find the latest GP practice?
If they’ve recently relocated to an area that’s new or changing practices due to a different reason, patients will naturally check out the web to see what they have to offer. Therefore, if your practice is have websites, you’re possibly missing an extremely valuable chance to gain new clients.
Patients also enjoy the ease and convenience of managing their health needs on the internet. As we’ve discussed before about the benefits to both practices and patients of having everyday activities for patients available online, consumers today expect to have the chance to conduct transactions online. It’s something we’ve grown accustomed to.
There are many advantages for the GP practice by having a website
Increases Efficiency
Handling patient inquiries is a lengthy and time-consuming task. It doesn’t matter if you have to answer inquiries regarding opening hours for the surgery or you need to inform patients about the latest developments, like an established clinic; instead of answering telephone calls or sending postal mailers all you have to do is spend some time to make changes to your website.
If your patients are aware that there’s a website that they can visit, they’ll naturally turn to it when they require information, instead of calling or going to the office. Anything that helps practice staff save time and resources is an advantage.
Helps Patients
According to 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 every day.”
As we’ve mentioned earlier the modern consumer is prone to go online whenever they have a need. It doesn’t matter if it’s getting answers to the most common questions , signing up as a new patient , or having the ability to schedule an appointment or get an additional prescription when they want Patients will appreciate the fact that their doctor’s office has made this possible. A quick and easy process and fewer waiting times will result in satisfied patients.
Improves Reputation
A well-designed and well-designed website for your doctor’s office allows you to display your expertise and help build confidence. It can show how your clinic is in the present and is adapting to the demands of patients today. A GP website is a great way to share news updates If your team is active in community fundraising or events it will be able to communicate their efforts to more people and , at the same time, improve your image as a practice that is focused on community.
In addition, GP websites that allow for patient input and engagement, shows patients that you appreciate their feedback and suggestions.
Finds you
The practice of your GP will likely be listed on a variety of directories, and it should appear within Google’s Local Pack when someone is searching for a GP clinic within your region. The issue with directories that are online is that they’re not often updated, meaning that details such as opening hours and contact information could be out of date quickly. If you have your own website, you’ll easily be able update the information on your site whenever it changes.
Referring back on the Google Local Pack, this is an extremely important delivery system to provide contact details and is frequently used by web searchers. Local Pack Local Pack provides a list of results that appear on the page. Since the last time it is there are only three top ranking companies or service providers in a particular region are listed on The Local Pack, although it is possible to click on’more places’ to view more results. It’s obviously more beneficial however to be listed on the top three list but this is not likely to occur unless the company is able to have a web site linked to its list.
Serves as a Health Care Resource
This post began by discussing how six out of 10 Europeans prefer to search for information about their health on the internet. Imagine that your GP practice was recognized by your patients , and maybe even a wider public as a valuable health source, what would that improve your image? Additionally, how would it improve your self-care tools which is another proven way to reduce stress on your staff.
Unnervingly, according researchers from The Archives of Disease in Childhood 60 percent of the information online is incorrect. The study found that when the search for details on UK websites regarding five prevalent issues, like breastfeeding and autism, revealed that only 200 out of 500 websites offered accurate information. If you’re worried that your patients may be fearing their families and themselves in unnecessary ways by providing inaccurate information – maybe your GPs have seen it in person when patients show up for appointments by their personal (incorrect) self-diagnosis, courtesy of Google’s ‘Dr Google or ‘Dr Google’, then through your website you could direct them to websites you trust to be reliable.
Useful for patient signposting
The GP practice is constantly searching for innovative ways to help patients selecting the best service for them. There is no simpler and faster way to do this than by utilizing the GP practice’s website.
In The Summary
It’s clear the reason why a practice of a doctor should have websites There are a lot of benefits both for the practices and their patients.
