Page 37 - Experience Based Co-design - a toolkit for Australia

COMMUNICATION WEBSITES
WHAT
Communication websites are a social networking tool where you can share information online about your work with other stakeholders.
WHY
Communication websites enable ongoing communication between patients, staff and other people involved in your service improvement work. This tool helps people to share their ideas and get fast feedback. It can also be useful for staff to gain an insight into patients’ perspectives or develop specific concepts and ideas.
WHEN
You can use this at any stage during your work.
HOW
For example, as a tool to communicate with people on the project’s progress or to seek specific comments on an improvement idea.
2. Choose an online site to host your social network
Examples of social networking hosts designed specifically for groups include ning.com, bigtent.com and Google Groups.
Note: It is free to set up your social network site with many of the hosts.
3. Develop your content
This may include discussion forums, photos, videos, blogs and events.
4. Invite participants to join
Most social networking host sites will include a way of doing this from within the site.
1. Decide on the website’s purpose
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Make sure the people you want to communicate with are computer savvy, have internet access and can afford the data.
Update your website regularly and ensure that information is current.
Make sure you check the privacy settings of the site carefully. If your project has confidential information that you don’t want available to the public, limit access accordingly.
Online communication is an effective way of communicating with stakeholders but it can’t replace the richness of information gained from talking or meeting with people in person. Use this tool to supplement other communication and feedback methods.
Adapted with permission from healthcodesign.org.nz