Scripps.org is Nation’s Number Two Health System Website

A study published in The Journal of Healthcare Management has named Scripps.org, Scripps Health’s website, number two in a rating of the top 25 health care sites in the nation. The website scored 8.3 out of 10, focusing on the end-user, or patient experience when operating the site. Only Arizona Cancer Center scored better with an 8.4.

The researchers, led by Eric W. Ford, PhD, of University of North Carolina at Greensboro, reviewed 636 facilities throughout the United States, scoring health care participants on their website accessibility, content, marketing and technology. Points of emphasis focused on search engine compatibility, correct text and imagery, SEO and website download speed.

The study focused on all aspects of website design, taking into consideration the complexity of each working part, and recognizing the cohesiveness of multiple disciplines in a site. Scripps.org scored highest on content (8.7), followed by technology (8.6), accessibility (8.4) and marketing (8.3).

“Hospitals and health systems are playing increasingly important roles as care coordination hubs and consumer information sources,” the study said. “Therefore, it is important for these organizations to have effective websites, and the need for a social media presence to connect with consumers is growing quickly.”

In 2011, more than 80 percent of adults reported using the internet as a resource for health care decisions. Correspondingly, a greater emphasis is being placed on an organization’s website and its ability to communicate with consumers.

“This study validates the Scripps web strategy which reflects our dedication to meet the needs of our patients,” said Don Stanziano, Scripps corporate vice president of marketing communications. “Scripps.org is the first point of contact for many of our patients and serves as a virtual front door to our health system. Our emphasis is to provide an engaging, user-friendly platform for patients and prospective patients to easily find useful information to assist them in making informed health care choices.”

Scripps is continuing to make improvements to Scripps.org to meet the growing needs of patients through increased functionality and user engagement.

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif.