Social networks are one of the most useful tools for communication. Indeed, we usually use them for entertainment, but they can be an ally in our work life. Have you considered communicating with your patients through WhatsApp? It is very important to make good use of it since patient confidentiality is essential.
Due to its convenience, many clinics and specialists use WhatsApp to communicate with their patients when scheduling appointments as a reminders.
However, its use is usually discouraged at a professional level. The reason is that a lot of private patient data is collected. Next, we will give you tips for using this social network responsibly. Take note!
Main recommendations for the use of WhatsApp as a means of communication
The first thing we must clarify to our patients is that using WhatsApp is a compliment after attending the consultation, never for emergencies.
On the other hand, it is important that schedules are established. This way, we can prevent them from writing to us at inappropriate hours or when we are unavailable.
It should be specified that the use of corporate WhatsApp is only for specific and simple questions that can be resolved by text message. This way of communicating with patients is insufficient for more extensive doubts or questions. It is recommended to schedule an appointment.
Lastly and most importantly, do not use the photos sent to us by patients for external use without consent. We must respect your privacy first and foremost. For information protection, it is important to emphasize the double authentication factor in companies.
What can we do with social networks in these cases?
Below we will give you a series of tips when using social networks to communicate with your patients.
Above all, the Organic Law 3/2018 on data protection must be respected and followed.
You must communicate only truthful and accessible information, avoiding spreading advertising messages that discredit the specialist’s profession.
You should only disseminate useful information to the patient, answer health questions or give advice.
You can share images as long as the patient agrees and generally avoids recognition.
What should we not do on social networks?
You have to maintain your safety and reputation in the digital world. Follow these notations, and you can get rid of various problems.
- Do not use social networks to share opinions or comments about the center or co-workers. This would subtract credibility and professionalism from your company.
- Do not privately advise the patient. The information we must send through the networks is not comparable to medical consultation.
You must respect the patient’s privacy, so information about her health or private life cannot be disclosed. Misusing this can bring us serious legal problems. - Do not give your data or your patients’ data through any social network. You don’t know who may be receiving that information.
You must not provide bank details or request them through any social network. As we have already mentioned, it is not safe, and your clinic will also give your patients an unsafe image.
Solution
We recommend having an online service system if you want to enjoy your social life once you have completed your working day. Using social networks such as Whatsapp for professional consultation tasks can incur human computer errors and, subsequently, cyber attacks.
This way, your query will be available 24 hours a day, and the profitability will be much higher. The professional image it gives you will push you to success.
You can attend to your patients at any time of the day and from anywhere. You will maintain their safety and that of your clinic.
A service like wpkraken will give you the best security in your business. Thanks to our maintenance and cybersecurity services, you will be able to keep your clinic protected against any cybersecurity problem. Communicate calmly with your patients; we will keep you safe.
If you want more information, contact us through our website wpkraken. We will advise you without obligation and offer you the best solution for your business. We want to help you grow!
