Want FREE Templates on Strategy & Transformation? Download our FREE compilation of 50+ slides. This is an exclusive promotion being run on LinkedIn.






Marcus Insights
Proactive Crisis Management for Healthcare PR and Internal Comm


Need help finding what you need? Say hello to Marcus. Based on our proprietary MARC [?] technology, Marcus will search our vast database of management topics and best practice documents to identify the most relevant to your specific, unique business situation. This tool is still in beta. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let us know at support@flevy.com.

Role: Head of Corporate Communications
Industry: Healthcare Provider

Situation: Managing corporate communications for a healthcare provider, focusing on public relations, internal communications, and crisis management. Recently, our organization has faced public scrutiny over patient care quality, partly due to negative social media exposure and inadequate internal communication strategies. My role involves developing a proactive public relations strategy, enhancing internal communication channels, and implementing effective crisis management protocols.

Question to Marcus:


Addressing public scrutiny requires a proactive approach, but how can we enhance our public relations and internal communications to improve our reputation and effectively manage crises?


Ask Marcus a Question

Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Crisis Management

When addressing negative social media exposure and patient care quality concerns, a robust Crisis Management plan is vital. It should include the creation of a crisis communication team, real-time monitoring of social media channels, and a clear communication protocol for both internal and external stakeholders.

The key is to respond quickly, transparently, and empathetically, showing a commitment to resolving issues and improving patient care. Training staff on crisis communication ensures a unified, professional response across the organization.

Learn more about Crisis Management

Internal Communications

Enhancing Internal Communications is critical to ensure that all staff members are aligned with the organization's values and quality care commitments. Consider implementing a user-friendly internal platform that facilitates open dialogue and regular updates on company policies, patient care initiatives, and crisis management efforts.

Encouraging two-way communication and feedback can also help identify potential issues before they become crises, fostering a culture of Continuous Improvement.

Learn more about Continuous Improvement COSO Internal Control

Public Relations Strategy

Develop a proactive Public Relations Strategy that positions your healthcare provider as a thought leader in patient care. This involves showcasing success stories, sharing insights into healthcare trends, and participating in community health initiatives.

Regular press releases, media engagement, and transparency reports on patient care outcomes will help build trust with the public and counteract negative perceptions.

Learn more about Public Relations

Stakeholder Management

Effective Stakeholder Management involves identifying key groups such as patients, employees, regulators, and the community, and understanding their concerns and expectations. Engage with these stakeholders through regular meetings, surveys, and community events.

Address their feedback in your communication strategy and operational policies, which will help to rebuild trust and improve the reputation of your healthcare provider.

Learn more about Stakeholder Management

Digital Transformation

Invest in Digital Transformation to improve patient experiences and streamline internal processes. Implementing EHR (Electronic Health Records), telemedicine, and patient portals can enhance patient care quality and satisfaction.

Digitally transforming your communication tools can also improve efficiency and accuracy in internal and crisis communications, leading to better coordination and response during challenging times.

Learn more about Digital Transformation

Reputation Management

Reputation Management should be an ongoing effort, not just during crises. Monitor your online presence continuously, engage with users on social media, and address any negative feedback promptly and constructively.

Develop a narrative that reflects the company's commitment to quality care and improvement. This ongoing effort will contribute to a more resilient reputation over time.

Learn more about Management Consulting Frameworks

Employee Training

Invest in Employee Training to ensure that all staff members are equipped to deliver high-quality patient care and adept at using internal communication tools. Regular training sessions on patient care Best Practices, crisis communication, and the use of digital tools will empower employees to act effectively and confidently, which will in turn help maintain a positive reputation for the healthcare provider..

Learn more about Employee Training Best Practices

Social Media Strategy

Your Social Media Strategy should focus on regular, proactive, and positive engagement to build and maintain a favorable online reputation. Share content that reflects the quality of care provided, including patient testimonials, staff stories, and healthcare tips.

Monitor social media channels for any negative sentiment and respond promptly to mitigate issues. Use targeted campaigns to reach out to the community and highlight improvements and achievements.

Learn more about Social Media Strategy

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.


How did Marcus do? Let us know. This tool is still in beta. We would appreciate any feedback you could provide us: support@flevy.com.

If you have any other questions, you can ask Marcus again here.




Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab




Additional Marcus Insights