Question

Social Media

The sharing of health care information online through the many social media applications is standard practice for both providers and patients. Although statistics vary, it is estimated that approximately 70 percent of the public use some form of social media

Case:

Megan, age 40, wants to lose at least ten pounds. She has tried some of the weight loss centers that charge a fee but hasn’t met with much success as the requirements are ones that she doesn’t always meet. Her daughter’s friend suggests that she look at free “apps” online. Megan is familiar with social media like Facebook and Twitter but isn’t certain what “apps” for weight loss are. She begins her online investigation and is soon overwhelmed with all the possibilities.

Read the case below and answer the questions:

1.) Megan finds one application that wants a lot of personal information before she can use the site. Should she provide that information?

2.) How can you determine if a health-related social media site is legitimate?

3.) Under what circumstances could health professionals share patient identification in a social media application?

Answer 1

1) No because excessive data information can pose security risks and expose Megan's personal information.

2) Because availability of specific medical treatment or procedures.

A medication.

Help make a self diagnosis.

A physician or clinicians.

Other medical facilities.

3) Previous studies on social media use in healthcare identified different effects of social media use by patients for health related reasons within the healthcare system. Social media can serve as an aid to patients. For example, it fosters their autonomy by complementing the information provided by healthcare professionals and by providing psychosocial support. Social media use by patients can also be an aid to healthcare professionals by providing a tool to strengthen the organization’s market position, and stimulating conversation for brand building and improved service delivery. In fact, social media may have effects on both patients, and on the wider healthcare system. In particular, it allows patients to receive support, and to complement offline information, which may lead to enhancing the empowerment of patients. However, social media use by patients does not only provide beneficial effects. It may also constitute a challenge within the healthcare system to both patients and healthcare professionals.