As monkeypox cases continue to climb, we as a community must be consistent and thorough in our patient-facing communications about the viral disease. Although we — UCA and the College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM) — have been discussing monkeypox and sharing resources throughout this outbreak, the reality is that some patients (presenting to the ER, Primary Care and Urgent Care) are not receiving the proper care concerning testing for and treating this disease, to the point where there are national publications reporting on the issue.
To ensure patients are aware of the high-quality care Urgent Care centers are equipped to provide for monkeypox, we need to make sure the right information is getting to the patient (or potential patient). We suggest covering these five bases:
1. Update your website’s home page banner
Include one or two lines about your testing and treating capabilities. Include a call to action to make an appointment, or to your page dedicated to monkeypox resources.
2. Create a page for monkeypox education and resources
Consider creating a page for monkeypox resources, sourcing from the CDC, WHO and/or your state and local health department. This page allows you the space to go into further detail about your testing and/or treatment options, and point patients to the correct next step.
3. Post on social media
Include monkeypox posts as part of your social media education strategy. Your followers will see they can turn to your team should they have signs of the disease, and remember your center should they need you in the future.
4. Educate your team
It’s imperative that everyone on your team be able to answer patient questions about monkeypox services in your centers. Consider creating a FAQ list for staff to ensure consistent outgoing one-on-one communications.
5. Post signage
Address common monkeypox questions on prominent signage in waiting areas. You have a captive audience; make sure they know your capabilities!
Follow these simple steps to ensure your local community understands monkeypox and the role Urgent Care can play on their path to getting better, faster.
