From the Guidelines
Social media is significantly impacting otolaryngology care, particularly in terms of information dissemination and patient education 1.
Key Impacts on Otolaryngology Care
- Misinformation dissemination: Patients may present to clinics with self-diagnosed conditions after researching symptoms online, potentially leading to unnecessary prescriptions or delayed diagnosis 1.
- Altered patient expectations: Social media influencers may promote unproven treatments, such as ear candling, which can cause iatrogenic injuries, including tympanic membrane perforations and external ear canal burns.
- Professional networking: Platforms like LinkedIn and Doximity enable otolaryngologists to connect with colleagues, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest research and guidelines 1.
- Continuing medical education: Social media platforms, such as WeChat, are being used for conference streaming and online education, making it easier for otolaryngologists to stay current with the latest developments in the field 1.
Examples of Social Media Use in Otolaryngology
- Twitter: Otolaryngologists can use Twitter to participate in online journal clubs, discuss clinical care, and share information about specific diseases and treatments 1.
- YouTube: Patients and physicians can use YouTube for education and public awareness campaigns, such as quantifying public interest in diseases and treatments in the otolaryngology space 1.
- Instagram: Otolaryngologists can use Instagram to share information about conditions, such as prostate cancer, and reach a large audience 1.
From the Research
Impact of Social Media on Otolaryngology Care
- Social media has changed the way information is shared and received, influencing patient decision-making and interactions with clinicians 2.
- The use of social media in health care has both benefits and challenges, with potential risks to health care professionals and patients 3.
- Hospitals are increasingly adopting social media platforms to interact with patients and promote health, with varying levels of utilization depending on hospital characteristics 4.
Medical Misinformation on Social Media
- Social media platforms can spread medical misinformation, with a significant number of studies investigating this topic on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook 5.
- The most popularly investigated social media platforms for medical misinformation are Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook, with different foci for each platform, such as cyberchondria, tobacco smoking, and vaccine hesitancy 5.
Social Media Adoption in Health Care
- The adoption of social media among American adults has risen significantly, with nearly 70% of adults using social media in 2016, and health care apps are beginning to gain traction 6.
- Mobile apps in health care are being used for various purposes, including ordering and scheduling health care services, tracking and managing health and wellness, and enhancing the impact of health care 6.