Not the kind of release one would expect from the government agency responsible for keeping the public abreast of the latest epidemics and illnesses, but very informative nonetheless.

The Center’s 58 page guide is one of the best Social Media writing guides I’ve seen.  It’s written in such a way that both seasoned Social Media gurus and those new to the scene will find values in its contents.  Topics covered range from knowing your audience, to converting traditional media releases into social media posts, to how to write relatable messages. 

Though the focus of the guide is health-related, the best practices it promotes can be easily translated across industries. 

An example of their good advice:

Check out the guide here: CDC’s Guide to Writing for Social Media

The three apps listed, Cancer.net, Carb Counting with Lenny, and Hello Baby Pregnancy Calendar, could not be more different in terms of targeted audience. 

They do, however, have important similarities that differentiate better, more successful apps from those with less impact.

1) They are patient empowering.

By promoting understanding of the patient’s specific medical need (cancer treatment, pregnancy or diabetes in these cases), patients can take control.  They are able to expand their knowledge base by exploring topics they may not fully understand and learn what the “norm” may be.

2) They enhance the patient-doctor relationship.

Whether they allow users to log questions to ask their physician at their next visit, track medical stats or simply bolster care instructions, these apps provide a tool which can have a positive impact on patient-doctor communication.  Patients who are more involved in their healthcare likely make better patients.

3) They are backed by solid reputations.

Is it necessary for an already-established organization to back an app for it to be successful? No.  Does it help?  Absolutely.  Solid reputations mean access to a higher standard of knowledge, the latest technology and a large, faithful audience.  The result is a higher quality product with a population ready to push download numbers to the top of popularity lists.

For more information, check out the article here: http://www.imedicalapps.com/2012/04/free-healthcare-apps-physicians-prescribe-patients/