Whether it’s a revival of 1970s fashion and music or mid-century modern design, things have a way of making comebacks. The boxy, two-dimensional QR code is no exception.
Even though its popularity declined after its introduction because users had to download special apps to scan digital messages, QR codes proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. People want contact-free exchanges of information and limited human interaction.
With scans now accessible through Apple and Android camera apps, the once clunky QR code is quick, simple, and touch-free. It’s not just a cost-effective and safe substitute for printed restaurant menus. It is also an effective tool for healthcare marketing campaigns.
Marketing Healthcare with QR Codes
When the pandemic impeded face-to-face communication, QR codes enabled communication between providers, caregivers, and patients.
There are numerous QR code generators specifically for the healthcare sector and options to generate codes for free. You can generate codes with customized logos, taglines and colors to increase brand awareness.
With QR codes, you can customize marketing materials and displays throughout your hospital. These include newsletters, posters, flyers, counter cards, digital signage, online ads, screen savers, and interactive television. You can deliver messages in three easy steps:
- Click on the camera app.
- Hover over the code.
- Users can view the information.
Increasing Patient Engagement
The age-old conundrum of how best to reach patients and potential patients with targeted marketing messages is no longer a mystery. We know where most people receive communications. An estimated 91 percent of adults are within arm’s reach of their phones 24/7.
Delivering targeted communications on smart devices through QR codes can immediately connect patients and their families to important health information.
Among the many uses of QR codes in healthcare marketing to engage patients include:
- Quick access to patient portals
- Information about medications, conditions or procedures
- Feedback surveys
- Support groups
- Resources for home health, transportation, rehab or other services needed post-discharge
- Health screenings and vaccination reminders
- Marketing promotions
- Foundation fundraising
- Event registration
- Directional way finding
Improving Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes
Hospitals can use QR codes to track and monitor patients, ensure drug safety, and enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.
With a QR code embedded on a single rack card, a patient can scan it and immediately access information about their pregnancy, diabetes, a child’s wellness checklist, influenza or the latest COVID news. Now, they walk out of the provider’s office with updated information instead of reams of paper that may not be regularly updated.
With concerns about social distancing, using a smartphone to access everything from in-patient information to hospital maps minimizes physical contact.
Using Dynamic or Static QR codes
There are two types of QR codes—dynamic and static. Code type determines how information is scanned, delivered, and tracked.
Static codes typically have dense patterns and are less scannable. Since the information is fixed, and you cannot change the destination address or URL once it is generated. You also cannot track data from the scans.
Dynamic codes use short URLs and have less dense patterns, which are more easily scanned. These work better for most marketing purposes since the URL and content can be edited at any time. You can track the number, times and locations of scans, as well as the type device used—iPhone or Android.
The comeback of the QR code shows its value as a marketing tool to deliver quick, efficient information directly to consumers’ fingertips.