Supporting Good Intentions With Good Evidence: How to Increase the Benefits of Diabetes Social Media

Abstract

Social media provides a platform for easily accessible, relevant health information and emotional and practical support at the touch of a button for millions of people with diabetes. Therein however lies a challenge. The accuracy and reliability of such information is often unknown and unverified, not all interactions are deemed supportive; practically or emotionally, and not all members of society have equitable access. Cyber bullying, requests for personal information and uninvited sharing are among the risks associated with social media, yet the use of online social media is increasing exponentially. Such reliance on web-based health information has given rise to concerns about patients’ ability to accurately assess the credibility of online sources as well as the potential detrimental effect on personal well-being and patient-provider relations. In addition, there are rising digital disparities for particular subpopulations. Further, these concerns apply to where and how health care professionals should engage or refer patients to in terms of platforms of online support. There is little doubt regarding the popularity of social media, both within and outside of the health arena but there are also concerns. This article outlines five key areas associated with social media use in people living with diabetes and presents potential considerations moving forward. We focus on (1) social media as a platform for information and support; (2) social media interactions that are not supportive; (3) lessons from the DOC; (4) concerns about accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of information; and (5) differing priorities of health care professionals and patients.

Social Media Use for Health Purposes: Systematic Review

“…However, many studies raised concerns of social media information quality and its impact on individual health outcomes [103]. Indeed, empirical studies provided grounds for the concern.…”

A Facilitated Web-Based Self-Management Tool for People With Type 1 Diabetes Using an Insulin Pump: Intervention Development Using the Behavior Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework

“…People who are empowered and skilled to self-manage their diabetes have improved health outcomes [6,58,59]; therefore, appropriate and tailored access, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all model, is likely to support improved SM. HCPs need to accept patient priorities and means of information and advocacy [60,61] and understanding the importance of experiential evidence. Some noted factors of success in web-based interventions and acceptability have been the focus on psychosocial experiences, feelings of confidence and reduced fear, the availability outside of clinic hours, up-to-date evidence-based guidance, and access to both peer-generated and professional advice [55,58,59,[61][62][63][64][65].…”

“…HCPs need to accept patient priorities and means of information and advocacy [60,61] and understanding the importance of experiential evidence. Some noted factors of success in web-based interventions and acceptability have been the focus on psychosocial experiences, feelings of confidence and reduced fear, the availability outside of clinic hours, up-to-date evidence-based guidance, and access to both peer-generated and professional advice [55,58,59,[61][62][63][64][65]. However, understanding the barriers preventing HCPs from supporting SM is fundamental too [61,65].…”

A novel exploration of the support needs of people initiating insulin pump therapy using a social network approach: a longitudinal mixed‐methods study

“…It is worth noting that, while the tool does not intervene directly with maladaptive networks or network members, it does incite change within the individual through engagement with the facilitator and renegotiation of existing network members, and also through an increase in network and variety where there is a potential for further sources of support outside of the relationships in existence before engaging with the tool. In addition, while peer support and social media featured strongly in this tool, these are not desired by all, and there are concerns over how and when social media are used by people to self‐manage . It is also worth pointing out that, while purposive sampling sought a diverse range of participants, women did represent the vast majority of participants in this study (69% vs 31%).…”