Social media in cancer care

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted to assess the use of social media to enhance breast cancer care. In addition, a Web-based search using common search engines and publicly available social media was conducted to determine the prevalence of information and networking pages aimed at patients and clinicians. Over 400 articles were retrieved; 81% focused on delivery of information or online support to patients, 17% focused on delivery of information to physicians, and 1% focused on the use of social media to improve collaboration among clinicians. Web searches retrieved millions of hits, with very few hits relating to improving collaboration among clinicians. Although there is significant potential to utilize current technologies to improve care for patients and improve connectedness among clinicians, most of the currently available technologies focus solely on the delivery of information.

Social Media Utilization in the Cochlear Implant Community

“…Social media provide opportunities to address patient expectations, offer education, receive feedback, and communicate on topics that may appeal to a wider audience of patients and families (Steehler et al, 2013). The role of social media in health care and the patient experience has been studied in the oncology (Dizon et al, 2012; Simmons et al, 2014; West, 2013) and psychiatry literature (Afsar, 2013; Landoll et al, 2013; Livingston et al, 2014). Moreover, to CI users and individuals considering CIs, social media provides an abundance of information concerning the CI placement operation, brand options, and life after implantation.…”