https://getreferralmd.com/2013/09/healthcare-social-media-statistics/
Since I am planning on pursuing the medical field, I decided to see what the latest statistics are on social media use is within the medical community. This article talks about the striking reality of the growing use and dependence of the millennial generation on social media for health decisions and health care consultation. Some people are more likely to post their health problem on a social media page and see what friends or relatives have to say about it rather than seeing a physician. These people will also post questions and search forums for who is the best physician to consult regarding a specific issue/illness. What I think is interesting from these statistics, and what I have observed myself, is that many more health professionals are using social media and pocket-technology for guidance and reference on medical treatment. We all like to think that healthcare is a team effort (nurse, to PA, PA to doctor, to physical therapist, etc...) and the proper use of social media can enhance medical care. Hospitals can announce public health awareness and proactive care based on what is being seen in the clinic. Whether we like it or not, it is being used more readily to access health information, and to determine health care plans.
Hi Luke,
ReplyDeleteI found this article to be very intriguing. One statistic in particular was #3. 90% of people 18-24 said they would trust medical opinions shared by others on social media. With your Dad being in the medical field, and you also pursuing that career path, do you think people should trust social media this much? I've always been a very skeptical person, but 90% trust rate seems pretty high?
Hello Luke,
ReplyDeleteMy article was also concerning healthcare and social media. It is crazy how so many people who share the same health problems are able to connect so easily nowadays. Social media does pose risk, however, because people's privacy is much easier to invade when it's all online. Great write-up!
Colby,
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you. I am similar in that aspect. I would be cautious of trusting a social media site for medical purposes, unless it was directly from the health care provider... With that said, medical advice can be taken out of context and not properly applied. Miscommunications are bound to happen.