Social media for patients: benefits and drawbacks

Abstract

Purpose of review Social media is increasingly utilized by patients to educate themselves on a disease process and to find hospital, physicians, and physician networks most capable of treating their condition. However, little is known about quality of the content of the multiple online platforms patients have to communicate with other potential patients and their potential benefits and drawbacks. Recent findings Patients are not passive consumers of health information anymore but are playing an active role in the delivery of health services through an online environment. The control and the regulation of the sources of information are very difficult. The overall quality of the information was poor. Bad or misleading information can be detrimental for patients as well as influence their confidence on physicians and their mutual relationship. Summary Orthopedic surgeons and hospital networks must be aware of these online patient portals as they provide important feedback on the patient opinion and experience that can have a major impact on future patient volume, patient opinion, and perceived quality of care.

Consumer perspectives on reproductive health after using the Jakpros smart mobile health application: A cross-sectional, qualitative study

“…Firstly, people are more comfortable sharing their experiences, expressing emotions, and exchanging ideas on specific topics within a like-minded community. Secondly, people are curious and want more information about their health experiences 6 . Mobile health apps have been successful in reducing health costs.…”

Living with a rare disorder: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

“…It is, however, important to be aware that the quality of the information on the Internet may be inadequate and questionable (De Martino et al. ; Pauer et al. ), and often includes little information about psychosocial adjustment and counseling (Pauer et al.…”

“…Several of the included studies described how patients, probably reinforced by the experienced lack of knowledge within the health care system, took responsibility for educating themselves by searching for information on the Internet. It is, however, important to be aware that the quality of the information on the Internet may be inadequate and questionable (De Martino et al 2017;Pauer et al 2017), and often includes little information about psychosocial adjustment and counseling (Pauer et al 2017). On the other hand, support groups found on the Internet may provide valuable information for patients with rare diagnoses and their relatives (Pauer et al 2017), and provide a possibility to share similar experiences and challenges (Newman et al 2011).…”

Analysis of Parkinson’s Disease using Deep Learning and Word Embedding Models

“…With the advancement of internet and mobile technology in recent years, social media platforms have grown rapidly. It has become an important source for informing patients and their relatives about the disease process, sharing their opinions and experiences and obtaining detailed information about treatment options [1,2]. Twitter is the most popular social networking service known to share information as it is, and to connect with others in real time.…”