Seeing is Engaging: Vlogs as a Tool for Patient Engagement

Abstract

Video blogs ('vlogs' -pronounced as one syllable) are a popular platform for conveying knowhow online and can be used as a tool for patient engagement. It can be challenging to engage patients in their own care, and the unique attributes of vlogs overcome some of the barriers to engagement such as high treatment burden and a lack of the sense of community. While some clinicians may distrust social media and question its place in patient care, we present The Frey Life, one example of a patient vlog, to show how the platform models and fosters engagement, and provides the patient perspective. We discuss potential concerns regarding health vlogs, and suggest implications for physicians, researchers, and medical institutions regarding how to use patient vlogs as a resource. Keywords consumer health informatics; patient engagement; chronic illnessPatient centeredness is a central element of high quality of care, but it is not always easy for physicians to engage patients in their own care [1]. This task can be challenging with younger patients with chronic illnesses, who may not relate to what they are told by doctors, and consequently have trouble making informed decisions about care. Recently, online videos have emerged as a popular platform for conveying knowledge and how-tos because of their convenience and accessibility for viewers. Seventy-two percent of online American adults view online videos, and the number posting videos online more than doubled from 2009 to 2013 [2]. Although some physicians distrust the use of social media in patient care-

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