HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 1
Healthcare and Social Media
NURS 521 - Liberty University
Author Note
This author has no known conflict of interest.
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 2
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 3
Healthcare and Social Media
According to Nelson and Staggers, social media is defined as a collection of worldwide
web applications that have a foundation of technology yet allow for creativity from its users. It is
a mass collaboration that is enveloped in participation, cooperation, transparency, individuality,
perseverance, and development (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). These social media tools allow
social interactions to exist outside of face-to-face physical relationships and can also promote
originality as some content providers are known as creators. Social media is utilized by all age
groups as its versatility is easy to use and understand. There are a vast array of social media
platforms including social networking sites (SNS), video hosting sites, blogs, and professional
networks. The attractiveness of social media is it provides opportunities to create and share at
low costs and is found everywhere (Stieglitz et al., 2018).
Types of Social Media
The popularity of the social networking sites including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
TikTok has grown exponentially over the past ten years. They are used as a means of
communication and connection and are often utilized by healthcare organizations to bring about
awareness and information to provide an openness to the community they serve. You Tube is an
example of a video hosting site where creators post videos that contain information that the
population needs. Knowledge is shared through the videos that the viewers can find a variety of
information including education. Some examples include do it yourself projects, makeup
application, budgeting just to name a few examples. Lastly, blogs a frequently updated web page
that is controlled by a person or a small group that is written in conversational flair. They began
as a diary of sorts where people will write their thoughts and actions (such as travel) for others to
read.
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 4
Impact Social Media has on Healthcare
When healthcare workers were surveyed of the social media use, 97% were found to own
electronic devices and over 87% of them admitted to using social media. Social media is known
to be one of the most innovative creations yet can be just as destructive. Healthcare clients are
known to utilize social media for many of their healthcare needs. Questions can be asked
regarding symptoms, finding a provider, and information posted on social media is often
believed (Surani et al., 2017).
Health system organizations use of social media has increased in recent years using it as a
means to communicate appropriate health information, advertise for employment and recognize
outstanding employees. Healthcare workers can utilize social media to read information or past
medical history. Other benefits of healthcare and social media use include empowering patient
autonomy helping patients become educated about certain illnesses and interventions available.
Social media also allows providers and nurses to provide evidence-based information to the
population (Surani et al., 2017).
Limitations surround social media use with healthcare include patient confidentiality.
Violations of professionalism, bullying, and struggles with their organization are also challenges
that social media brings to healthcare. If used while working, healthcare workers can find social
media a distraction and decreases productivity and may be harmful for patient care (Surani et al.,
2017). The American Nurses Association and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
have conveyed standards for nurses to practice professional principles with social media use
(Lefebvre et al., 2020).
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 5
Social Media Policies
Policies regarding patient confidentiality began in 1996 with the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, with the institution of electronic health
records and social media usage the privacy policy there is a need for a constant reminder of
ethical principles and legal guidelines regarding posting to social media (Garg & Shrigiriwar,
2021). Policies may also include avoiding posting pictures that show illegal activity, offensive or
inflammatory content, or sharing confidential organizational information. Regardless of policy,
nurses should always remain professional and check themselves before sharing to social media.
As Christians, we are encouraged to be thoughtful, remain above reproach, love what is
good, self-controlled, and self-disciplined. Titus also tells that those who “hold firmly to the
trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and
refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:6-9, NIV). Social media can be a gateway where massive
untruths unfold and spread quickly. As nurses, we should remain professional when sharing on
social media and convey truthfulness within our posts. Nursing is a trusted and respected
profession, we must treat it as such within the confines of social media.
In today’s world, information travels rapidly and can both positive and negative effects.
Social media is a daily interaction with the population. Health information is easily available
most often accessed with a device in our hands and a touch of a finger. Understanding the
positives and limitations of social media and its use is vital in ensuring patient protection and
confidence in the healthcare industry.
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL MEDIA 6
References
Garg, T., & Shrigiriwar, A. (2021). Managing expectations: How to navigate legal and ethical
boundaries in the era of social media. Clinical Imaging, 72, 175–177.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.11.005
Lefebvre, C., McKinney, K., Glass, C., Cline, D., Franasiak, R., Husain, I., Pariyadath, M.,
Roberson, A., McLean, A., & Stopyra, J. (2020). Social media usage among nurses.
JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(3), 135–141.
https://doi.org/10.1097/nna.0000000000000857
Méndez-Diaz, N., Akabr, G., & Parker-Barnes, L. (2021). The evolution of social media and the
impact on modern therapeutic relationships. The Family Journal, 106648072110524.
https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807211052495
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2018). Health informatics: An interprofessional approach (2nd ed.).
Mosby.
Stieglitz, S., Mirbabaie, M., Ross, B., & Neuberger, C. (2018). Social media analytics –
challenges in topic discovery, data collection, and data preparation. International Journal
of Information Management, 39, 156–168.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2017.12.002
Surani, Z., Hirani, R., Elias, A., Quisenberry, L., Varon, J., Surani, S., & Surani, S. (2017). Social
media usage among health care providers. BMC Research Notes, 10(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-2993-y
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
