Healthcare Communities

Healthcare communities are unique ecosystems where patients, loved ones, professionals, and organizations come together to meet, support, and inspire one another. It’s not only about sharing knowledge, but above all about human connection. Yet maintaining such a community often proves complex: differing interests, privacy concerns, and an audience that requires intensive attention.

At Unity Agency, we help healthcare organizations, patient associations, and foundations build meaningful healthcare communities. Communities where trust, safety, and engagement are central  and where members can find each other at the moments they need it most.

What is a healthcare community?

A healthcare community is an online and offline network of people connected through a shared healthcare experience: a condition, treatment, or life phase. Think of patient associations, caregiver platforms, or communities of healthcare professionals.

The strength of a healthcare community lies in the sense of recognition and support. People find information, share experiences, and feel less alone. That requires a thoughtful structure, good moderation, and a clear strategy — exactly what we specialize in.

Our approach to healthcare communities

Every healthcare community requires a tailored approach. Yet we follow a proven process that consistently succeeds in practice. Our approach combines research, co-creation, and activation.

1. Listening to the target group
   We always begin by mapping out the needs, themes, and sensitivities within the target group. We actively listen to patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers to determine the right tone of voice and approach.
   👉 Community target group analysis
2. Tailored strategy
   Based on these insights, we develop a strategy that aligns with the community’s stage of development. We define goals, roles, formats, and moments of interaction.
   👉 Community concept and strategy development
3. Ambassadors and experts by experience
   In healthcare communities, ambassadors and people with lived experience play a crucial role. We assist in finding, guiding, and valuing these key figures.
   👉 Community ambassador program
4. Careful communication
   We create communication that connects without overstimulating. Think of accessible language, visual calm, and empathetic storytelling.
   👉 Community communication
5. Safe and inclusive platforms
   In healthcare, everything revolves around trust and privacy. We advise on platform selection, access rights, and moderation policies.
   👉 Community platform choice and technology
6. Events and gatherings
   In-person meetings strengthen the bonds between members. We organize days, workshops, and peer-to-peer sessions centered around connection.
   👉 Community events
7. Stakeholder and partner management
   Healthcare communities often involve multiple stakeholders: hospitals, insurers, funds, or patient organizations. We help bring these parties together in a sustainable ecosystem.
   👉 Community stakeholder and partner management
8. Long-term support
   A healthcare community is never “finished.” We continue to guide, evaluate, and optimize — from content planning to member activation.
   👉 Community support and consulting

Why our approach works

• Empathy as the foundation: we understand the sensitivities in healthcare communication and act accordingly.

• Science and practice: we combine data with human stories.

• Long-term connection: we don’t build campaigns but sustainable networks.

• Proven experience: including projects such as Kanker.nl and regional healthcare networks.

Example from practice

For a national patient organization, we developed a community strategy that actively involved participants in new initiatives. Through storytelling, ambassador programs, and monthly digital sessions, the number of active members increased by 40% within six months.
Members indicated that they felt “seen, heard, and supported” — exactly what a healthcare community aims to achieve.

Our vision on healthcare communities

A strong healthcare community:

• creates healing through recognition;

• promotes self-management and knowledge sharing;

• connects healthcare professionals and patients on an equal level;

• and supports social impact through collaboration between parties.

We believe real growth can only happen when people feel safe enough to show who they are — both online and offline.

Ready to strengthen your healthcare community?

Whether you are a patient association, healthcare organization, or foundation, we help you turn engagement into genuine connection.

👉 Discover more about our community support and consulting
or read more about our community concept and strategy development.

Together, we build communities that make a difference — for everyone who needs care, and for everyone who provides it.