The field of healthcare has undergone drastic changes with the introduction of internet and its other related concepts. It has given rise to the internet savvy patient who is now able to get information which had remained inaccessible for years with just a click of the mouse. The healthcare is now patient centered and is looking to improve based on the feedback available from the patients and/or their caregivers. The patients who access the internet for various healthcare related services have been aptly termed as e-patients. With the introduction of newer internet concepts such as web 2.0 individuals are now able to interact live with others in different corners of the world.
Available Social Medias
The internet has now become quite active and the most accessed service across the whole world. In the field of healthcare it has enabled patients to interact with other patients and caregivers to obtain additional information that were missed out by the healthcare provider. Such discussions have become possible with the applications such as forums, chats, blogs and many more. Some of the popular social media concepts include: Facebook, Friendster, Flickr, YouTube, Blogger, and MySpace. Applications such as these have opened up newer avenues for discussing about healthcare related matters and also about other related issues.
Power of social media
In the last few decades the healthcare industry was focused on providing better facilities for the doctors as they held the key to success of the industry. However, the scenario has now changed completely wherein the healthcare industry has become patient centered. With the information about diseases and the treatment options available freely over the internet the patients are more capable of understanding the options and give a well understood confirmation for treatment. Additionally patients are also able to question the healthcare provider if anything should go wrong in the procedure as they are well aware of the risks and complications associated with such procedures.
The patients suffering from long term or chronic diseases are seen actively participating in online communities or forums where discussion about a disease is going on. Based on their experience about such disorders and the treatment methods they are able to guide others regarding these subjects. Such patients also create their own websites wherein they answer the queries of other patients suffering from the same disorder. Chronic disorders such as diabetes and cancer can often lead to a high amount of depression or frustration. Participation in some online forums has increased the confidence of such individuals and helped them to lead a normal life.
In conclusion, the introduction of concepts such as social media has resulted in dual benefits to the patients. On one hand it has made the healthcare providers more responsible for their actions and on the other hand it has provided emotional and psychological support to millions of individuals who are suffering from long term disorders.
Very true. I developed a web site, book and Twitter account to talk about chronic illness with others. It has made a difference in helping to bridge the gap between feeling like a “normal” person vs. being a “sick” person.