When social media was non-existent and career opportunities relied on word of mouth, face-to-face networking was essential for professional growth. Today, as our lives increasingly unfold online, networking – once confined to conference halls and meeting rooms – has seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm, opening up a world of possibilities.
However, despite this evolution, networking is often overlooked in a fast-paced world of healthcare, where the power of connections goes beyond career advancements. With private healthcare on the rise and care becoming more patient-centric and specialised, networking is a tool that clinicians should embrace to remain competitive and deliver outstanding patient experiences.
Only 57% of clinicians refer patients to providers they are familiar with
With multidisciplinary and patient-centric care becoming the norm, establishing strong professional networks is vital. Patients increasingly desire more choice and access to personalised care, often turning to private healthcare for better results and more options. As of April 2024, 7.3 million people in the UK had private health insurance, including dependents – the highest number since 2008. But with so many specialties, treatments, and conditions, deciding on the right provider can be overwhelming. As a result, they may rely on your guidance to refer them to a trusted, specialised clinician.
Alarmingly, 43% of healthcare professionals refer patients to providers they do not know well, and 17% make referrals to providers they have never met, which can significantly hinder patient care. Trust plays a crucial role in the referral process; approximately 33% of patients do not follow up with the clinicians they are referred to due to concerns about the providers’ qualifications and reputation. This lack of follow-through not only leaves patients without necessary care and increases the risk of complications, but it can also impact the referrer’s reputation, as patients may question the trustworthiness of their recommendations.
In this environment of increased demand for healthcare, especially with private hospitals caring for a record number of patients, the need for clinicians to expand their referral networks becomes even more crucial. However, many still rely on a small circle of familiar contacts, which limits access to a broader range of expertise and innovative treatments. This not only stifles professional growth but can also affect patient outcomes, as referring within a narrow network may not always provide the best care options for individual needs. Building stronger, more diverse connections is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring patients receive the most appropriate care.
Strong networks are shaping the future of healthcare
Referring patients to unfamiliar providers is just one of the challenges in healthcare that can be addressed through networking and building meaningful relationships. According to Capgemini’s research, collaboration among healthcare professionals is a significant trend shaping the future of the industry. Sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and comparing treatment outcomes help clinicians access cutting-edge treatments and insights they wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
While large-scale initiatives like the European Health Data Space and the NHS’s Federated Data Platform aim to facilitate these connections in the long term, many healthcare providers are seeking more immediate solutions. By actively building relationships now, clinicians can create robust networks that provide immediate benefits to both their practices and patients, offering a seamless flow of expertise and care.
72% of clinicians use social media for virtual networking
Traditional networking methods, while effective, can be time-consuming and limited by geography. In response, virtual networking has emerged as a powerful alternative, especially within the healthcare sector. In fact, 72% of clinicians now use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other providers, access treatment information, share practice management advice, and build personal connections. This trend reflects a growing shift towards more efficient ways to expand professional networks and stay updated on industry developments.
A Forbes study found that 92% of individuals consider online networking more accessible, as it can be done from the convenience of home, while 88% of respondents stated that virtual networking is cost-effective. Furthermore, 76% of those surveyed agreed that virtual platforms offer greater flexibility, making it easier for busy clinicians to engage in meaningful networking without the constraints of traditional methods. This digital shift is helping healthcare professionals forge the connections needed to improve patient outcomes and grow their practices.
What are the benefits of virtual networking for healthcare professionals
In a sector where collaboration can mean the difference between life and death, building strong connections across specialties and disciplines offers numerous benefits for both clinicians and their patients.
Let’s explore some of the key benefits of professional networking for healthcare professionals:
1. Increased referrals from other professionals
Networking is an essential tool for increasing referrals from fellow clinicians, which is crucial for growing your practice in today’s competitive healthcare market. Industry experts agree that referrals based on professional trust are one of the most effective ways to expand a practice, especially in specialised fields where a strong referral network can make all the difference. By building trust with colleagues and showcasing your expertise, you position yourself as the go-to professional for their patients.
For example, an orthopaedic surgeon who effectively networks with general practitioners and sports medicine specialists is more likely to receive referrals for joint replacements or sports injury treatments. Access to a broader network ensures patients receive the most appropriate care while helping your practice thrive.
The Doctify Network offers a powerful solution for expanding referral networks. Clinicians can search for peers using speciality, treatment- or condition-specific keywords, location, or place of work, while also making their expertise easily discoverable by others. This dual function ensures that healthcare professionals can both refer patients to the most suitable specialists and attract new referrals themselves.
Verified patient reviews collected through Doctify provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experiences. This added transparency offers an extra layer of confidence and trust in referral decisions. By supporting accurate, targeted referrals, the Doctify Network helps grow your professional network while keeping your practice competitive in the evolving healthcare landscape.
2. Fostering credibility and trust within the healthcare community and with patients
Building credibility and trust within the healthcare community and with patients is essential for growing your reputation and securing referrals. Exchanging professional endorsements with colleagues on Doctify is a powerful way to validate your expertise and position yourself as a trusted specialist. These endorsements are displayed on your Doctify profile and tagged with treatment-specific labels, providing an extra layer of validation. When your skills are recognised by peers, it strengthens your professional standing and makes you a top choice for referrals.
3. A unique opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration
Networking provides clinicians with access to a wealth of collective expertise, transforming individual knowledge into shared insights that elevate patient care. By connecting with peers across various disciplines, healthcare professionals can collaborate on complex cases, share innovative treatment approaches, and stay informed about emerging trends and advancements. This multidisciplinary collaboration creates an environment of continuous learning, where best practices are not only shared but also refined in real time, directly contributing to improved patient outcomes and more adaptive, responsive care.
For example, a cardiologist collaborating with a neurologist could develop a new approach to managing stroke patients with heart conditions, resulting in more comprehensive and effective care. These connections are crucial for delivering the kind of integrated, holistic care that today’s patients expect and deserve.
Join Doctify to effortlessly connect with other clinicians online
Platforms like LinkedIn are great for networking, but they can be difficult to navigate for healthcare professionals specifically seeking to expand their referral networks or connect with those specialised in particular conditions and treatments. Many healthcare professionals find LinkedIn noisy, with too much unrelated content, making it challenging to focus on healthcare-specific connections.
Doctify Network, designed specifically for healthcare providers, makes building professional connections easy and efficient. Whether you’re looking to expand your referral network or find specialists for your patients, Doctify simplifies the process.
Ready to strengthen your network and enhance patient care?
