Guidance on using social media to inform, engage and consult

The Scottish Health Council (part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland) has just published a set of helpful guidelines which include lots of case studies on the use of social media.

The guidelines are aimed at NHS Boards who are seeking to use social media during periods of major service change –

•     specifically the Scottish Government’s requirements to inform, engage and consult people in developing health and community care services (CEL (2010) 04).

It suggests ways in which social media and online technologies may complement traditional methods of informing, engaging and consulting people when planning and carrying out NHS service changes. It includes examples of how technology is currently being used for two-way dialogue with patients, carers and communities, and also discusses general considerations when using social media.

This well written report provides yet more support for opening up access to social media in the workplace.  How can you have two way dialogue if your workforce doesn’t have full and unfettered access to the web?

To view the guidlines, visit: http://www.scottishhealthcouncil.org/patient__public_participation/e-participation/e-participation_guidance.aspx