What are the two strengths and two challenges of using social media in healthcare?? The term Social media?? refers to internet-based tools that allow individuals to communicat

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Option 2 – What are the two strengths and two challenges of using social media in healthcare? 

The term “Social media” refers to internet-based tools that allow individuals to communicate, to share information, ideas, and other content. One of the benefits of using social media in healthcare is patient education. According to Ventola (2014), patients want to know that their doctors and nurses are involved in the community. Some patients like to follow their providers on different social media platforms to stay informed. About 65% of physicians use some form of social media to provide patient’s education. The more information posted by the health care provider; the more patients’ visits he/she will have. Another advantage of using social media in health care is cost-effectiveness for the patients. It is cost-free to join any social media related to health care. It can also lead to more revenue for the company.  

One of the challenges of using social media in healthcare is that despite HIPPA regulation that provides specific rules for safe online posting, there is always risk of fraud of the patients’ private information. Another disadvantage is lack of quality and reliability. Some medical information may be unreferenced, incomplete, or informal. Of course, it causes confusion and frustration.  

References 

Ventola C. L. (2014). Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices. P & T: a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(7), 491–520.