The authors offer the following additional recommendations regarding the message to be conveyed through marketing. They are applicable to any organization that wishes to promote telehealth services.
1. The organization's brochure must convey the value of telehealth. With visual illustrations and information targeted to specific audiences, it will promote the healthcare organization's image as a technology leader. The focus on telehealth will portray the organization as an exciting, state-of-the art place to work and may appeal to a younger generation of nurses, thus helping to resolve nurse shortage issues.
2. Effective web sites must provide concise information that can be retrieved quickly and is visually appealing and easy to read (i.e., fifth-grade reading level). The emphasis is on "retrieved quickly." The MTV generation will not scroll through or wait for long, text-based messages. Navigation within the site should be intuitive and require a minimum number of clicks. Photographs of actual patients or clinicians using the system will grab the viewer's attention and enhance interest. Quotes will reinforce the message the organization wishes to convey.
3. Newspapers and other mass media reach a wide audience and a variety of stakeholders such as physicians, case managers, and potential customers. Timely articles, newsletters, press releases, and other publications are essential to promote the organization's image as a telehealth leader. The marketing plan for telehealth must include timely and targeted media efforts.