The Benefits of Social Media Platforms for Medical Practitioners: Building a Global Medical Network

Introduction

Social media tools, such as Twitter, have transformed how medical practitioners disseminate information and interact with the public. Twitter has swiftly grown in popularity among vascular surgeons as a means of sharing research findings and exchanging information. As to one study, social media comments on vascular surgical articles are linked to a spike in the total amount of literature citations, signifying greater scientific influence. Twitter, in particular, is being used as an instructional instrument for ongoing medical education and research methods. In 2013, the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES) recognized the importance of social media presence and established a Twitter account. It has developed since then to highlight key publications, guidelines, and free/open-access studies (Chaudhuri & Prendice,2023). Social media has the potential to tremendously help medical practitioners by providing them with timely access to cutting-edge knowledge and research, allowing them to keep up to speed on the most recent breakthroughs in their area. It provides a forum for medical professionals to enhance their reputation by demonstrating their knowledge and sharing vital thoughts with a larger audience. Social media makes networking easier, allowing medical professionals to interact with colleagues, specialists, and possible partners all around the world. It can garner financial opportunities for medical research and initiatives by reaching out to a worldwide audience. Medical professionals may use social media to market events and employment opportunities to a global audience for free (Bhasin,2017). Medical practitioners may use social media channels to enhance their views and engage in advocacy activities. These venues, whether supporting public health programs, increasing awareness of rare illnesses, or campaigning for healthcare policy reforms, give a large audience and tools for mobilizing support. Social media knowledge may be utilized in patient care as well. Healthcare practitioners may utilise these platforms to convey vital health information to patients, increase patient involvement, and promote preventative activities. This patient education allows people to make educated health decisions and encourages collaborative doctor-patient partnerships (Giroux & Moureau,2020). Social media for healthcare has revolutionized lives in the modern digital era, altering how we interact, communicate, and obtain information. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have access to a variety of social media technologies for increasing professional training and learning, ranging from wikis to VR games. For example, they may use these technologies to increase organizational visibility, improve patient care quality, and give training to improve quality. Social media networks, in various forms, offer significant benefits that unite physicians all over the world. These platforms provide chances for professional growth, ongoing education, and worldwide professional involvement. They enable medical professionals to look for employment openings, promote meetings, engage in case discussions, and network with other medical community members. Social media also allows healthcare practitioners to construct social and professional networks and swiftly and broadly disseminate information. It offers a platform for gaining access to health information, specialized clinical expertise, and engaging in research efforts. Furthermore, social media facilitates peer-to-peer and clinician-to-patient communication for consultations, while also enhancing institutional branding and speeding up interactions between healthcare professionals (Alasnag et al.,2021; Ventola,2014). People believe social media more than any other conventional advertising channel, which influences their choice of healthcare providers. According to one survey, 8 out of 10 Online users in the US seek health information online, with 74% using social media. Furthermore, 41% of patients believe that social media influences their choice of physician or facility for care. As shown in “Figure 1”, respondents in the survey responded to the question on the importance of social media as a helpful tool (Popa,2022).

Figure 1.

Social media is a valuable tool for healthcare

Source: Adopted from Popa, 2022