The role of social media in healthcare

1. The role of social media in healthcare Introduction When social media came into existence, no one knew that its superpower would someday transform lives. Initially, social media was a platform for sharing pictures and staying in touch with our old friends. But today, from effective communication to gaining information, social media gives us all information in the blink of an eye. As a result, social media has influenced the healthcare sector as well. Studies have found that most people gather an understanding of healthcare providers through social media. Also, patients like sharing their personal experiences on different online platforms. With the help of a healthcare SEO agency in Bangalore, healthcare providers are also trying to increase their popularity on social media. In this article, we will focus on the role of social media in today’s healthcare domain. Benefits of social media on the healthcare The healthcare sector is a very sensitive one. It needs the immense trust and credibility of the common people to flourish. A small questionable action may lead to a huge setback. Communication and understanding are vital for building a patient-doctor relationship. Face-to-face interaction is great, but online sources have become more popular. Over the past few years, social media has changed the momentum of the healthcare sector. The positive impacts of social media are- 1. Creates awareness Social media helps people in becoming aware of current occurrences. Whether a breakthrough invention in the medical field or an unfortunate incident, followers on social media become immediately aware of it. For example, if there is a fire in a hospital, the news spreads immediately through social media, making everyone aware of the incident. Also, information based on hospitals, doctors, or various treatments is easily available on online sources. People love to share their experiences. There are various social media groups where people and healthcare providers engage in meaningful conversations with each other. 2. Educating the general public There are often stereotypical notions associated with health issues. Even in the 21st century, people believe in myths related to diseases and healthcare practices. Educating the general public is the best way to eradicate such false concepts.

2. Healthcare professionals make social media the medium for educating common people. Videos or posts on social media can reach millions and make viewers knowledgeable on various aspects of healthcare. 3. Searching for doctors and hospitals Social media has helped people narrow down their search for hospitals and doctors. At times people search for specific hospitals and clinics. On the other hand, finding a specialist doctor also takes time and effort. Instead of running around, there are people on social media who share their views and experiences. The reviews help people to make constructive decisions in less time. Also, doctors and clinics have pages on social media sites. People can get updated information from these sources. In case of emergency, finding nearby healthcare resources through online platforms has reduced health risks. 4. Growing connections A person diagnosed with health problems or undergoing treatment goes through a mental breakdown. Lack of support hampers emotional well-being. Social media helps patients connect with people who have experienced the same health conditions. People share challenging experiences and stories of overcoming them. Such incidents motivate an ailing person. They find comfort and mental strength. Various social media campaigns on health issues raise awareness and instill hope in people journeying through similar situations. 5. Increasing popularity Many clinics and healthcare providers can offer high-quality healthcare services to patients. But they need more publicity to attract patients. Social media platforms help healthcare providers attract the attention of potential patients. They can use social media to share reviews, success stories, and the services they provide to their patients. The healthcare SEO agency in Bangalore works to increase the credibility of healthcare providers through social media. They implement strategies to attract more followers and broaden the audience base of healthcare providers by establishing their brand image. 6. Gaining information There are various health-related problems that have multiple solutions. Finding a correct solution to such problems becomes difficult at times. Patients and their family members may not always get satisfactory answers from healthcare providers. There can be a lack of understanding between them. Communication problems cause dissatisfaction and anxiety. In such cases, social media becomes a savior.

3. Patients can better understand their problems and various aspects of treatment from information available on social media. People who are experiencing or have experienced similar conditions can share detailed information about the treatment procedures on social media. Also, healthcare professionals are available online to share relevant information based on health conditions. 7. Professional networking Networking is important for learning new things. Healthcare professionals can collaborate with others of similar professions to gain knowledge. Collaborating with groups, people, and peers helps in personal development. Also, healthcare professionals can connect with healthcare professionals across the globe through social media. Nowadays, attending a medical conference is also virtually possible. Sitting in India, healthcare professionals can now track the progress of other countries. Collaborating with eminent personalities in the healthcare field through podcasts or interviews increases the exposure of healthcare professionals. Networking and connections will help in discovering new approaches and enhance advancement in medical science. Social media and its challenges Social media has indeed helped in the growth of the healthcare sector. It has helped the common person to become aware of difficult medical concepts. It has made people aware of recent occurrences and inventions in the medical field. But the healthcare sector is facing challenges because of the rapid growth of social media. The challenges are- 1. Extreme dependency People must understand that being too dependent on social media is not good. In case of adverse physical conditions visiting a healthcare specialist is crucial. People believe that having medicines or treating themselves through information found on online platforms can cure their health problems. On the contrary, such beliefs can lead to fatal health problems in the future. 2. Rise in competition Rumors can immensely affect a doctor’s trust and authenticity. Healthcare SEO agency in Bangalore strives to make a healthcare provider or a clinic popular in social media, but with popularity comes competition. All healthcare providers are trying to increase their social media presence to attract patients. This creates competition. Competition leads to rumors spreading quickly across social media, effectively harming a doctor’s reputation. 3. Individual conditions differ

4. Medical conditions differ from person to person. A doctor diagnoses the problem and, based on it, advises treatments and medicines. However, the human body has various compositions. If one person responds to a particular treatment, it is wrong to assume the same in the case of another person. So, when a patient shares their experience on social media, it is based on their personal experience. It might not be applicable to another person. Hence, consulting a specialist is essential before making decisions. 4. Negative reviews Anyone accessing social media can write reviews on online platforms. Any unsatisfactory experience relating to treatments, doctor’s behavior, or administrative work leads to negative reviews. The impacts of negative reviews are disastrous for a doctor’s career. Also, negative reviews might not always stand true. But people on the other side of the screen might find it true without actual understanding of the situation. Hence, social media has the power to affect the credibility of a doctor or a clinic in the eyes of the common man. 5. Maintaining ethics Patients’ personal information and healthcare statistics are vital. Leaked information may account for the breach of privacy and security, which is harmful to the reputation of healthcare providers. Also, medical advice on social media platforms without proof may question the ethics of individuals working in the healthcare sector. Conclusion The last decade has seen a tremendous rise in the power of social media. It has a strong and effective impact on every field of life. Today we know more about health problems and treatment plans from social media. Moreover, we find the presence of healthcare providers everywhere on online platforms. Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn has become a powerful medium for healthcare providers to attract potential patients. The reels and videos posted on the internet have the power to reach millions of viewers in absolutely no time. Most of the Healthcare SEO agency in Bangalore has helped patients and doctors in creating a wider understanding of the medical field. The growth of social media also has some unfavorable outcomes. It has led to the circulation of false medical advice fatal to human health. It has also impacted doctors’ trust and credibility. However, social media is the need of the hour for the well-being of society. Hence, it is important to eradicate the negative impacts of social media by using it wisely. To conclude, let us embrace the power of social media and use it as a weapon to achieve effective outcomes in the healthcare domain.