Question

Social media and Nursing practice

Answer 1

Technology is drastically changing the ways of communication and means of interactions. Face to face interactions are limited . Technology in the form of social media and other means are transforming communication effective, creative and connected. It plays a significant role in medical field. social media has some tools for connectivity by discussions and sharing information among people .Wise usage of social media can be productive and sometimes destructive . The forms of social media available are social networking, web publishing, content sharing. Social networking is a convenient platform to connect with people for sharing information ,etc. Facebook and LinkedIn ate ggood examples of social networking. The former focuses on personal relationships and later focusses on professional relationships . Web publishing is used to publish materials .Nursing professionals might use web publishing to explore the online material of other professionals and also related to nursing to gain knowledge and ideas for their own practice. Content sharing is another platform where diverse range of audio, video files and Documents (PowerPoint presentations) can also be uploaded,organised, and shared via document-sharing sites such asBlackboard.

Social media is a useful tool for collaboration, allowing users to work together on projects even when they are separated by significant distance .(Fraser,2011)

Social media can bring about productive changes in nursing by motivation and providing access to infinite materials and ideas. Social media can be used by nurses to stay updated in their practice . More infinite articles and sources are available so the health care systems had started to use social media for improving overall quality of healthcare delivery . According to Ferguson, “Social media allow an open dialogue between healthcare consumers and providers, allowing for continuous feedback and engagement”. The nurses enjoy the advantage of easy access to more information but they should be very careful in posting or sharing any material in social media. As the platform is open , don't share details about your patients, providers and any personal issues and follow personal & professional etiquettes. The internet and technology is growing at a rapid rate which is an advantage and also a disadvantage. Social media helps in four aspects for nursing professionals in their clinical practice, academics, research and administration . Overall social media connects nurses to each other to stay updated and also to discuss their problems along with new practice ideas for uplifting the healthcare delivery system .

Nurses are educated about professional standards throughout their careers. This education provides the foundation required to apply “professional filters,” such as considering the laws, professional regulation, employer agreements, professional recommendations and personal standards related to using social media (Fraser, 2011)

Using social media in a positive way nurses can create benefits to themselves, their clients and the healthcare. Nurses should be toward health promotion and disease prevention.

Ref:

1. Fraser, R. (2011). The nurse’s social media advantage:How making connections and sharing ideas can enhanceyour nursing practice. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau international.

2. Ferguson C (2013) It’s time for the nursing profession to leverage social media. J AdvNurs 69: