In this fourth edition of our newsletter, we are exploring the third and fourth steps of 10 Steps for Effective Hospice Marketing - Strategize and Prioritize. You may recall that in earlier installments we focused on Step One - Research (May 2009) and Step Two - Analyze (June 2009). To refresh your memory, both issues are available online by clicking the links provided.

Once you've "connected the dots" of research by analyzing the data and forming some conclusions, it's time to ask some questions. Every journalist learns that a good story comes about by asking who, what, where, when, why and how. A strong marketing communications plan develops as you and your team do the same. Here's a simple checklist to help in formulating strategy. MORE>>

Educate families?
Educate physicians and other referrers?
Which one comes first?

Since few hospices have the budget to do both equally well, especially at the same time, hospices face that important question. MORE>>
 

Health care reform is center stage in Congress and in media reports. Palliative care is part of the discussion on health care reform. Colleen Scanlon, RN, JD, chairperson of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, told a U.S. Capitol Hill briefing that compassionate palliative care that supports persons who are seriously ill, in pain and are dying must be a part of health care reform. "By reducing pain and suffering and coordinating care transitions, palliative care reduces emergency room visits, hospital stays and readmissions, and most importantly improves patient and family satisfaction," said Scanlon.

Social media sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are gaining in popularity and usage. In fact, a recent New York Times article mentioned how Dr. Christian Sinclair (@ctsinclair), a physician for Kansas City Hospice, has used Twitter to connect individuals with other local hospices. It's good old-fashioned "word of mouth" via today's technology.

You can also follow NHPCO (@nhpco_news) on Twitter. Check the sites out and begin to imagine the ways you can reach others with your messages.