Communicating with Your Patients
During COVID-19
We at Perfect Patients want to support your communication efforts during these times of uncertainty. Here are some best practices for patient communications in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to us. We’re here to support you.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE?
There’s no way around it, a global pandemic is stressful. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to let your patients know what you’re doing to help them. Let them know of any increased safety and cleanliness measures you’re taking, if you’re closed temporarily, or what your current hours are.
BE CONCISE
People are receiving a lot of emails and information right now, so be sure your communications get right to the heart of what you have to share. Short and sweet is a good rule-of-thumb. If you’re posting a video, keep it under 2 minutes.
SHARE WHAT YOU’RE DOING
Communicate what your practice is doing to minimize the impact of the situation. Are you spacing out appointments so there is only one person waiting at a time? Are you offering home visits? Perhaps you’re only seeing patients in acute pain right now? Be transparent and direct.
SPEAK TO WHAT YOU KNOW
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Help your community by contributing valid, helpful information. Stick to your area of expertise and offer advice on how your patients can maintain optimal health in the face of this rapidly-spreading virus. Be mindful of your jurisdiction and the regulations surrounding the topics you can advise on.
BE EMPATHETIC
This is a stressful time for everyone and that will inform the way you shape your communications. Your patience and reassurance will be a source of calm in the storm for those who are scared. Be vulnerable, be you. We’re all in this together.
BE SOCIAL
Share positive or inspiring stories that give your audience hope during these trying times. Highlight the efforts of first responders or share the story of a patient doing something great within the community. Support other local businesses by sharing their posts or tagging them in your posts. Step in front of the camera to share health and wellness tips via video. We’ve come up with a week’s worth of video topic ideas you can use. Download the corresponding social media graphics and start filming.
BE AVAILABLE
Let your patients know how they can reach you. Are you still offering in-office appointments? How about video appointments or webinars offering health advice? Several of our clients are implementing telehealth consultations using services such as https://doxy.me/ to stay connected. Update your hours and information as needed on your website and share them regularly on social media. Be present.
FREE EMAIL TEMPLATE
To jumpstart your patients communications, download and personalize this email template to alert your patients of your current operating hours. With thoughtful, compassionate communications, your patients will see your practice as a trusted source of information in trying times. Get your free template “Working from Home? Tips to Protect Your Spine”. Download template
Deep-Dive into Your Post-COVID-19 Digital Marketing Strategy
Not a Perfect Patients client yet? Book a strategy session with a digital marketing consultant to discuss your strategy to ramp up your new patients and re-engage current patients when COVID-19 is finally behind us.