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Social Media and Its Influence on Patients

Question: What does the current evidence say about the influence of social media on patients' decisions? What are examples of effective use of social media to translate evidence into behaviour change?

A decade ago, it was surveyed that 78% of American’s had used social media to search health information for either themselves or a family member (Patrick et al., 2022). They go on to discuss that access to health information has increased for several reasons, including quicker access to health information as wait times to see a medical professional have also increased. People are looking for instant information. The concern Patrick et al. (2022) expressed in relation to people searching for this information comes from peoples lack of understanding the social media algorithm and the tailoring of content to their interests. The problem herein is a significant amount of content delivered is not evidenced based and can lead to all sorts of misinformation. Patrick et al. (2002) stated an analysis of 126,000 stories on twitter found that the false stories were 70% more likely to be shared due to how the content is portrayed for increased engagement. If we want to look at a specific example, the amount of misinformation and anti-vaccination rhetoric circulated during the COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of how social media influences people. From misinformation about SARS-CoV2 virus, its transmission and treatments, to conspiracy theories of how the pandemic started, flooded social platforms. The WHO called it an infodemic. People are often influenced by family and social circles in the healthcare decisions they make and information they share online. Groups can be created with other like minded individuals and information shared within these groups are tailored to their beliefs, furthering the spread of misinformation.

In saying that, there is also effective use of social media in relation to health care, including health promotion and public awareness to any public health concerns from local health units or healthcare facilities. It’s important to remember when we discuss health information found online with our patients, we educate what to look for in relation to evidenced based information, such as verified healthcare information sites or how to validate something like a blog or social media content creators credibility. We also need to ensure any media we share online is from a valid, evidence based resource.

The social media groups discussed above can also be beneficial for human connection when it comes to something such as a diagnoses with a rare disease (Patrick et al., 2022). Patients and families have the ability to connect with others facing similar difficulties and not feel so alone in their journey. They can share stories and hardships and feel support from all over the world.

Ultimately as we evolve in the tech world and now with AI, nurses will continue to be presented with more challenges regarding misinformation patients and families are consuming.

Reference

Patrick, M., Venkatesh, R.D., Stukus, D.R. (2021). Social media and its impact on health care. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 128(2), 139-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2021.09.014

I am Your Nurse.

For me, the poem by Beth Perry RN, PhD, identifies that the interactions nurses have with their patients drives their nursing process. Nurses have a special unique connection with each patient and while we provide the patient care, we learn from our patients as well. We deeply connect and empathize with our patients in difficult moments. Each of those individual experiences and interactions shape our future nursing practices; "You teach me... You touch my soul" (Perry, 2009, p. 24).

Being in the IPAC world, the verse I would add below highlights and the important aspect of patient safety and infection control. We listen to patients concerns regarding their infections or potential for communicable diseases. As nurses we ensure we physically protect our patients from transmission of communicable diseases and hospital acquired infections through the examples here such as hand washing, wearing PPE, disinfecting line access, and the like. We listen to the fears and concerns from our patients, in this verse I related to infection concerns, which helps us understand our patient and guide how we teach and provide care to each patient individually.

Original poem by Beth Perry RN, PhD. (2009). I have added my own verse in italics.

I am Your Nurse

I ease your pain.

I bathe your skin.

I make your bed.

I help you dress.

I meet your needs.

You heal me.

I am your nurse.

I feed you meals.

I give you rest.

I tend your wounds.

I sense your suffering.

I answer your questions.

You teach me.

I am your nurse.

I know your pain.

I share your loneliness.

I feel your despair.

I taste your joy.

I sense your spirit.

You touch my soul.

I am your nurse.

I wash my hands.

I wear my gloves.

I scrub the hub.
I hear your fears.

I will protect you.

You guide me.

And sometimes,

for just a moment,

I am you,

and you are me,

and we are one.

Together,

we go beyond the limits

of ordinary experience,

to live the extraordinary.

Reference:
Perry, B. (2009). More moments in time: Images of exemplary nursing. Edmonton, AB. AU Press., p. 24. [e-book link]

My Nursing Core Values

The word cloud above demonstrates a few additional core nursing values I have. Hands holding onto each other, symbolizing nurses and patients working together to create the best health outcomes.