Sharing information and communicating with patients, providers and public are essential elements of a clinic’s operations. This encompasses any communication made orally, in print, through electronic media or via the internet by or on behalf of the practice or its providers to the public. This section outlines some key communications and marketing elements to consider.
Marketing and Advertisement Regulations
As outlined by BCCNM on its site, marketing and advertising nursing services can help raise awareness about your services and reach potential clients. It is important to do this in a way that is truthful, accurate, and professional. Clinics and their providers should be clear about the services they offer and the qualifications they hold (such as education or certifications).
Market services in alignment with BCCNM bylaws and advertise services in a factual manner. Clinic and provider should not exaggerate, mislead, or guarantee results. It is especially important to review the Use of Title standard and pages provided by BCCNM.
The reserved title “nurse” carries significant meaning and conveys a level of knowledge and skill in managing the health care of a client. Review the:
- Use of Title Learning Resources to learn who can use the reserved title “nurse” and what title(s) to use when identifying as a nurse; and,
- Use of title Practice Standard to review the principles NP must follow, guidance on how to apply principles as well as a table that breaks down how title should be used for different registrant class including abbreviations to use.
Office Signage
Office location may be indicated by a sign of a nature and size to allow identification by a member of the public but must not constitute soliciting or importuning.
Such information may include:
- The names of the providers practising at a location,
- Focused area(s) of practice or practice limitation of a registrant,
- Clinic hours,
- Information about scheduling or appointments
- Information which might assist a member of the public to select a registrant may be placed at or about the entrance.
For further information about standards for advertising and communicating with public you may want to review College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC’s guidelines here.
Did you know?
BCCNM’s bylaws do not allow you to use the BCCNM logo in connection with your business or imply that your self-employed practice is connected/endorsed by the college or that you are speaking on behalf of or in any way representing BCCNM.
Use of Social Media
Social media offers opportunities to extend and enhance nursing practice. Yet, as the number of social networking options increase, so does the chance of making a mistake.
The following are a few expectations that should be considered when using social media:
- Confidentiality: Do not share any client information on social media sites. Omitting details when you post information or images does not protect client confidentiality. Report confidentiality breaches at once to your workplace.
- Privacy: Manage your privacy settings to protect your personal information. Your information can still be shared without your permission, even with the strictest privacy settings.
- Boundaries: Set and keep professional boundaries. This applies online, too. Do not accept “friend” requests from clients or former clients on personal social media accounts. If you use social media for work, such as client teaching and resource-sharing, use a separate professional account. Ensure that your use of social media aligns with BCCNM standards and your workplace policies.
Be sure to refer to the Social Media Expectation page for any updates and further details on expectations for nurses when using social media. BCCNM page on Social Media also provides information on what to consider before using social media, both personally and professionally as well as the consequences of using social media in an unprofessional way.
Important Consideration for a Website
In today’s digital age, a professional and well-designed website is an essential tool for any medical clinics to build credibility, enhance visibility, and connect with patients. A website serves as the virtual front door to your clinic, offering an accessible platform for patients to learn about opening hours, policy, services, and expertise.
Beyond being an informational resource, a clinic’s website plays a critical role in patient engagement and communication. By providing information about processes related to telephone and online appointment scheduling, telehealth options, and comprehensive FAQs, the clinic website empowers patients to take charge of their healthcare journey with increased convenience. It also acts as a hub for sharing updates, promoting health education, and, if desired, highlighting the clinic’s commitment to patient-centered care.
There are many platforms that could be used and many professionals that can help clinic build and optimize a clinic website. A medical clinic website should be designed to provide a seamless and informative experience for patients while reflecting the professionalism and values of the clinic.
As the clinic owner, it is your responsibility to decide the purpose and content of your clinic website. Here are some essential components to keep in mind:
- Clear Branding and Design: A clean, professional design with consistent branding, including the clinic’s logo, colors, and fonts, to establish trust and recognition.
- Contact Information and address: In surveys, patients have indicated that getting contact information (phone numbers and email) and clinic address as one of the main reasons for calling clinics. A well-designed website can reduce the burden on phones and empower patients to access the information they need. Prominently displayed phone numbers, email addresses, and clinic location, along with a map for easy navigation.
- Services Overview: Detailed descriptions of the clinic’s services, specialties, and treatments offered.
- Provider and staff Profiles: Information about the healthcare providers, including their qualifications, specialties, and photos to build patient trust. It is also helpful to highlight your staff and their roles.
- Patient Resources: Educational materials, FAQs, and blog posts to inform patients about health topics and clinic updates.
- Online Appointment Scheduling and Secure Patient Portal: A user-friendly system for patients to book appointments directly through the website. If appropriate, a HIPPA-compliant portal for patients to access their medical records, test results, and communicate with providers.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Optimized for mobile devices to ensure accessibility for patients on the go.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Content and design optimized for search engines to improve visibility and attract more visitors.
Patient Communication Templates
Effective communication is the cornerstone of patient-centered care, fostering understanding, and satisfaction between providers and patients.
Patient Communication Templates serve as practical tools to ensure consistent, clear, and professional interactions across various clinical scenarios. Communication templates are designed to ensure professional standards, minimize errors, and address patient needs efficiently.
This section introduces some relevant templates that can be used by clinics for common situations, such as clinic policies, consent forms, and patient requests.
Some relevant templates: