Use of Social Network Sites for Communication Among Health Professionals: Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough much research has been done investigating the roles of social network sites (SNSs) in linking patients and health professionals, there is a lack of information about their uses, benefits, and limitations in connecting health professions only for professional communication.ObjectiveThis review aimed to examine the utilization of SNSs for communication among health professionals in (1) frontline clinical practice, (2) professional networks, and (3) education and training to identify areas for future health communication research.MethodsThis review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A systematic search of the literature published in the last 10 years (January 1, 2007, to March 1, 2017) was performed in March 2017, using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via OvidSP, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and InfoSci-Journals. The searches were conducted using the following defined search terms: “social media” OR “social network” OR “social network site” OR “Facebook” OR “Twitter” OR “Linkedin” OR “Instagram” OR “Weibo” OR “Whatsapp” OR “Telegram” OR “WeChat” AND “health” OR “health profession.”ResultsOf the 6977 papers retrieved, a total of 33 studies were included in this review. They were exploratory in nature, and the majority used surveys (n=25) and interviews (n=6). All retrieved studies stated that SNSs enhanced effective communication and information sharing. SNSs were used for supporting delivering of clinical services, making referrals, and sharing information. They were beneficial to network building and professional collaboration. SNSs were novel tools to enhance educational interactions among peers, students, instructors, and preceptors. The application of SNSs came with restraints in technical knowledge, concerns on data protection, privacy and liability, issues in professionalism, and data protection.ConclusionsSNSs provide platforms facilitating efficient communication, interactions, and connections among health professionals in frontline clinical practice, professional networks, education, and training with limitations identified as technical knowledge, professionalism, and risks of data protection. The evolving use of SNSs necessitates robust research to explore the full potential and the relative effectiveness of SNSs in professional communication.

To tweet or not to tweet? A primer on social media for pharmacists

“…As the world has arguably become more connected than ever and information exchange is nearly effortless, there are new opportunities for social media to be used for professional purposes. A recent systematic review found 33 studies evaluating the impact of social networking on communication and information sharing among health care professionals of various types, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, among others . Most of these were cross‐sectional studies or interviews and found that social networking was used as a tool in frontline clinical practice, to build a professional network, and for teaching and learning.…”

“…A recent systematic review found 33 studies evaluating the impact of social networking on communication and information sharing among health care professionals of various types, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, among others. 4 Most of these were cross-sectional studies or interviews and found that social networking was used as a tool in frontline clinical practice, to build a professional network, and for teaching and learning. There is limited literature, however, on how pharmacists use social media.…”

The Romanian Society of Internal Medicine’s Choosing Wisely Campaign

“…This approach allowed us to reach a broader group of doctors, especially junior physicians and young specialists. Nowadays, when social media is more and more involved in medical networking, information dissemination and professional interaction [10], we considered it a good opportunity to involve colleagues this way.…”

Investigating dementia literacy among community-dwelling adults and older adults in Macau: A mixed methods study

“…Nonetheless, these channels have not been fully utilized to promote dementia literacy. Social media has been shown to be an effective channel for health education and for communication among health professionals [24]. For example, developing an app for assessing dementia symptoms in older citizens is a project that is worthy of support.…”