#Science: The Potential and the Challenges of Utilizing Social Media and Other Electronic Communication Platforms in Health Care (original) (raw)
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Social Media: A Review and Tutorial of Applications in Medicine and Health Care
Journal of medical Internet research, 2014
Background: Social media are dynamic and interactive computer-mediated communication tools that have high penetration rates in the general population in high-income and middle-income countries. However, in medicine and health care, a large number of stakeholders (eg, clinicians, administrators, professional colleges, academic institutions, ministries of health, among others) are unaware of social media's relevance, potential applications in their day-to-day activities, as well as the inherent risks and how these may be attenuated and mitigated. Objective: We conducted a narrative review with the aim to present case studies that illustrate how, where, and why social media are being used in the medical and health care sectors.
Information Technology and Social Media: Changing Paradigm of Medicine Practice
IOSR Journals , 2019
Background: Medical knowledge is a very dynamic subject which gets updated with addition of new studies, reviews and case reports. Though most of the clinical practice is based on guidelines and studies, still there is a small grey area which gives room to a clinician to apply his mind in the interpretation of the investigations and imaging in relation with the symptoms and signs in a particular case to reach to a certain diagnosis and decide management accordingly. Internet and social media has widened the horizon of dissemination of medical knowledge and information technology has brought it to the every smartphone user which is just a click away. However it also has added the information which is unfiltered, occasionally biased and at times not substantiated by adequate evidence. This has added confusion about medical knowledge, anxiety of the patients and distrust amongst caregiver and recipients. Consumer Protection Act in creating an environment of fear and apprehension. The impact of this apprehension is very significant in developing countries in the terms of cost of healthcare. Application of sound clinical judgement is replaced by plethora of investigations and added to the expenditure of public money. This has also increased litigations and conflict between patients and health institution. It is unjustified to say that everything is bad with this dissemination of information. This awareness of population has helped in prevention of various life style diseases also. Aim: To create awareness of healthcare providers about impact of increased information amongst the service seekers and customise the soft skills in dealing with the patients. It is also for the policy makers to take note of information dissemination and their impact on healthcare. Material and methods: Internet research, Daily news and updates in the healthcare practice and personal experience of the authors is used as source for making of this article. Conclusion-Unless the population is educated, aware and appreciate the grey area of clinical practice, this half-baked recipe of readily available medical knowledge is detrimental to human being and society. Therefore, a stringent regulation is a must to regulate content over social media so as to get the optimum utilisation of the same in betterment of healthcare.
Social media and mobile applications in chronic disease prevention and management
Frontiers in Psychology, 2015
Social media, online social networks and apps for smartphones and tablets are changing the way we communicate. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 73% of Internet users among US adults engage in social networking to access, create, and share contents . The number of smartphone users is growing worldwide [56% of American adults are currently smartphone owners (Smith, 2013)], and millions of applications (most of them related to social media or other communication tools) are available on the Google Play or iTunes store.
Dangers and Opportunities for Social Media in Medicine
Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2013
Health professionals have begun using social media to benefit patients, enhance professional networks, and advance understanding of individual and contextual factors influencing public health. However, discussion of the dangers of these technologies in medicine has overwhelmed consideration of positive applications. This article summarizes the hazards of social media in medicine and explores how changes in functionality on sites like Facebook may make these technologies less perilous for health professionals. Finally, it describes the most promising avenues through which professionals can use social media in medicine-improving patient communication, enhancing professional development, and contributing to public health research and service.
Use of Social Media in Medicine: A Double-edged sword?
Education in Medicine Journal, 2013
Social Media (SM) is changing the way physicians and patients interact. SM is one of the drivers towards a more patient-centric model of healthcare. It offers a platform for health communications, empowerment and even possibly strengthening the physician-patient relationship. The use of SM in medicine has often brought on a lot of feedback, more negative than positive ones. The academic literature is commonly seen with articles on SM and how it poses dangers and risks to medical personnel. Many SM usage guidelines are also geared towards the expectations of misuse rather than positive considerations and constructive use. There is a need to assess its impact and utilisation in medicine, through processes such as consultation, education and creation of awareness, communications, interaction and sharing of information. The culture of medicine is one that values confidentiality, privacy, one to one interaction and very professional conduct. This is often thought to be contrasting to that of SM, which involves open sharing, connectivity and is thus, more informal. Despite the contrasting cultures, a significant proportion of medical personnel do use or are on SM platforms. Participation in SM networking and other similar internet sites can support physicians' personal expression, enable individual physicians to have presence online, foster collegiality and camaraderie within the profession and provide opportunities to disseminate public health messages and other health communications. If properly and adequately used, within acceptable framework, SM can indeed be a boon, rather than a bane to medicine.
Social Media and Patient Health Outcomes
IMIA Yearbook, 2014
Objectives: To provide a review of the current excellent research published in the field of Consumer Health Informatics. Method: We searched MEDLINE® and WEB OF SCIENCE® databases for papers published in 2013 in relation with Consumer Health Informatics. The authors identified 16 candidate best papers, which were then reviewed by four reviewers. Results: Five out of the 16 candidate papers were selected as best papers. One paper presents the key features of a system to automate the collection of web-based social media content for subsequent semantic annotation. This paper emphasizes the importance of mining social media to collect novel data from which new findings in drug abuse research were uncovered. The second paper presents a practical method to predict how a community structure would impact the spreading of information within the community. The third paper presents a method for improving the quality of online health communities. The fourth presents a new social network to allow the monitoring of the evolution of individuals' health status and diagnostic deficiencies, difficulties or barriers in rehabilitation. The last paper reports on teenage patients' perception on privacy and social media. Conclusion: Selected papers not only show the value of using social media in the medical field but how to use these media to detect emergent diseases or risks, inform patients, promote disease prevention, and follow patients' opinion on healthcare resources.
European Economic Letters, 2024
This research paper explores the potential of social media as a catalyst for enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare results. With the proliferation of social media platforms, there exists a unique opportunity to leverage these digital channels to disseminate healthcare information, empower patients, and facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies, this paper examines the various strategies for integrating social media into healthcare practices, including patient education, support communities, and remote monitoring. While acknowledging the benefits of social media in healthcare, such as increased patient engagement and improved health literacy, the paper also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with its use, such as privacy concerns and information credibility. Recommendations are provided for addressing these challenges and maximizing the benefits of social media in healthcare settings. By embracing the opportunities afforded by social media and addressing its associated challenges, healthcare practitioners and policymakers can work towards a future where patients are more informed, empowered, and engaged in their healthcare journey, ultimately leading to improved healthcare results for all.
Social Media and Communication Technology: New Friends in Health Care and Research
GFNPSS-International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2020
As you all know that the social media refers to website and applications that are designed to allow people to share content quickly, efficiently and in real time. The ability to share photos, opinions, thoughts, events and messages in real time has transformed the way we live and also the way we do business. The idea of social media came when Steve Case and his partner Leonsis were developing AOL, the instant messenger. Social media is at the places where they can be entertained, communicate and participate in social environment. Some people define social media as Apps on their smart phone or on tablet.
The role of social media for patients and consumer health
Objectives: This paper explores the range of self-tracking devices and social media platforms used by the self-tracking community, and examines the implications of widespread adoption of these tools for scientific progress in health informatics. Methods: A literature review was performed to investigate the use of social media and self-tracking technologies in the health sector. An environmental scan identified a range of products and services which were used to exemplify three levels of self-tracking: self-experimentation, social sharing of data and patient controlled electronic health records.