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Article
Tweeting and Treating: How Hospitals Use Twitter to Improve Care
Management Faculty Research
  • Christian Gomes
  • Alberto Coustasse, Marshall University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2015
Abstract

Introduction: Hospitals that have adopted Twitter primarily use it to share organizational news, provide general healthcare information, advertise upcoming community events, and foster networking. The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits that Twitter utilization has had in improving quality of care, access to care, patient satisfaction, and community footprint while assessing the barriers to its implementation.

Methodology: The methodology used in this study was a qualitative study with a semi structure interview combined with a literature review which followed the basic principles of a systematic review.

Results: The utilization of Twitter by hospitals suggest that it leads to savings of resources, enhanced employee and patient communication, and expanded patient reach in the community. Savings opportunities are generated by preventing unnecessary office visits, producing billable patient encounters, and eliminating high recruiting costs. Communication is enhanced using Twitter by sharing organizational content, news, and health promotions and can be also a useful tool during crises.

Discussion: The utilization of Twitter in the hospital setting has been more beneficial than detrimental in its ability to generate opportunities for cost savings, recruiting, communication with employees and patients, and community reach.

Comments

This is the peer-reviewed Accepted Author Manuscript. The version of record is available from the publisher at http://journals.lww.com/healthcaremanagerjournal/Abstract/2015/07000/Tweeting_and_Treating__How_Hospitals_Use_Twitter.6.aspx. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

doi: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000063

Citation Information
Gomes, C., & Coustasse, A. (2015).Tweeting and treating: How hospitals use Twitter to improve care. Health Care Manager, 34(3), 203-214.