The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare

The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare

Social media opens many opportunities for health systems. It allows organizations to build connections, share discoveries, and develop credibility as thought leaders. Through platforms like Twitter and Facebook, physicians and health systems can share relevant health alerts, receive patient feedback, and bolster their brand with a focus on creating trust. By communicating with patients online, hospitals and physicians establish the foundation for a positive relationship. In addition to this, precisely targeted ads via social media platforms assist in personalized patient outreach.

According to a 2018 study, 80 percent of U.S. Internet users have searched for health information online, and 60 percent of social media users trust social media posts by doctors over any other group. By engaging and interacting on the social platforms that their patients frequent, health systems can revitalize their word-of-mouth referrals, improve communication, and provide better care by ensuring that patients continuously engage with the health system.The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare Essay

Of course, there is a negative side of this, HIPAA compliance. The risk of when patient information gets into the wrong data, and making sure patient sign consent, and by identifying their demographics information.

When the Covid19 started in March, due to quarantined doctors visit, and patient concern were only achieved via telephone, internet “Zoom”, e-mail, and video visits. These are the ways the patient conveyed with the providers regarding their health concerns. Nearly all of the patients favors visit via internet or telephone visits currently due to convenience and not subjecting themselves in the sick environment.The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare Essay

With the advancement of modern technology, social media is increasingly finding use in healthcare delivery and management. Health professionals including doctors, nurses and therapists have adopted social media to communicate with their patients and for health sensitization. Social media can benefit healthcare delivery in a variety of ways including fostering professional connections, patient and community education and promoting communication with patients and families. On the other hand, use of social media in healthcare exposes patients’ data to breaches and leakages creating confidentiality issues. Misuse of patient data results in serious career penalties for negligent medical professionals. Protocols have been established to oversee the use of social medial by health practitioners. The paper seeks to explore the recognized rules that regulate the use of social media, and its risks and benefits. Health professionals should utilize benefits of social media while adhering to confidentiality, privacy, and ethical guidelines for private or professional communications with respect to patient data. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as the acronym HIPPA, and passed by Congress in 1996, the Privacy Rule protects all individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic format, paper, or oral (Office for Civil Rights). The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare Essay

Social media has become an integral part of many healthcare organizations’ marketing and communications strategies. Across the United States, over 99 percent of hospitals have an active Facebook page – and an increasing number are also establishing a presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Social media is no longer optional. In order to engage with patients on the platforms they use the most, social networking and advertising are critical components of the overarching digital marketing strategy.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits, challenges, and opportunities that social media presents in today’s healthcare landscape.The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare Essay

The Benefits of Social Media in Healthcare
Social media opens up many opportunities for health systems. It allows organizations to build connections, share discoveries, and develop credibility as thought leaders. Through platforms like Twitter and Facebook, physicians and health systems are able to share relevant health alerts, receive patient feedback, and bolster their brand with a focus on creating trust. By communicating with patients online, hospitals and physicians establish the foundation for a positive relationship. In addition to this, precisely targeted ads via social media platforms assist in personalized patient outreach.

According to a 2018 study, 80 percent of U.S. Internet users have searched for health information online, and 60 percent of social media users trust social media posts by doctors over any other group. By engaging