Samantha Reba
Junior Writer
The
Cambridge English Dictionary defines social media as “forms of media that allow people to communicate
and share information using the Internet or mobile phones.”
In
the 21st century patients of all ages are looking towards the Internet
for answers and often their first stop is a social media site. According to a
recent survey by the National Research Corporation, “about 20 percent of
patients already use social media to glean healthcare information. Facebook
tops the list of sites that survey respondents use for such purposes, followed
by YouTube, Twitter, MySpace, and FourSquare.”
Social
media is extremely important for pulling patients in the most helpful and
information-driven direction. Pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers,
and professional organizations can help bridge the gap between health education
and patients by supplying interesting, relevant, and credible information from
trusted sources. A website or blog post can relay facts, but there is more to
engaging patients than just handing them information. Facebook and Twitter are
the social media portals for connecting patients with other patients,
organizations, and company news and updates that are relevant to a patient’s
needs.
Facebook
and Twitter are forums where up-to-date information is constantly being pushed
through to patients. Patients in turn can ask questions, follow, retweet, and
engage with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and fellow
patients. Pharmaceutical companies are becoming more social-media savvy by
posting content that is pertinent for their intended audience. Healthcare
providers are building patient relationships over social media by recommending
articles, links, and helpful tools while tracking disease trends.
Healthcare
providers keep information general enough to avoid revealing information on
specific cases or offering medical advice that would be better talked about
face-to-face. Twitter presents a unique capability for bringing users together
through the use of similar hashtags and searches. Both services make great
listening tools.
A
successful patient and social media connection relies on a constant wave of
information and interaction. Patients want answers and want to know that their
concerns are being heard.
Artcraft
Health Education can help! As a trusted patient education company, AHE can help
keep the lines of communication open through social media by giving patients
searching for information the content they need. AHE is responsible for
creating discussions on social media platforms through invigorating topics,
features, and news articles that are relevant to the healthcare and patient
education industry.
Looking
to learn more about Artcraft Health Education’s social media activities? Check
out and follow by clicking the links below:
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