We’ve watched closely our hospitals and physicians group clients as they navigate uncharted waters preparing for “health care reform.” Whether it is budget cuts in preparation of reimbursement changes or conversion to an EMR system, our clients are faced with huge changes in how they operate. Websites are often left untouched as resources are redirected to daunting projects with rapidly approaching deadlines.

Liz’s ten top areas where hospital marketers should focus is right on target. We would also add that a strong, internal and external, web-base communication strategy will go a long way in making each of these items successful initiatives. In fact, logistically, your website and your intranet are tools that are not only measurable, they can tell you how far your message is going and what impact it has on your consumer base and your medical staff in the face of “reform.”

 The bottomless budgets that fed “feel good” hospital marketing initiatives may be gone, but the hard work of your employees and the lives of your patients still matter, right?  Leverage the web. Make it work for your practice or your hospital in the face of reform. Show your patients it still feels good to care for them. Show your leadership team that a solid web-based communication strategy gets you branding, alignment, collaboration and engagement, too.  The web is the way to go!