Social media is everywhere. When you want to go out to dinner, you oftentimes check out your restaurant on social media. When you want to go to a new fitness class, you very well may take a look on social media.
So what about your medical needs? Should you use social media here? An overwhelming yes is the answer.
Social media can provide a lot of information in the medical world. Patients can use it for a variety of reasons, from questions about medicine to information on a new doctor. Just be careful, though, and remember your doctor is your best source of information, but social media can help, too.
Benefits to Patients
How exactly will social media benefit a patient seeking medical care?
Let’s take a look at some of the ways….
- Patients can prep for an appointment -Patients can use social media to know more of what to expect from a doctor and an appointment. Patients can learn the 5 critical questions to ask every patient that many doctors will ask or they can read about the physical aspect of an appointment. This can lessen some of the anxiety of walking into the unknown.
- Patients can learn about the doctor and facility before going – With social media, patients can read up on the doctor they are seeing, the facility they are visiting and any other information about their upcoming appointment. With social media, patients can read real accounts, both positive and negative.
- Patients can find information after a diagnosis – For instance, a patient diagnosed with migraines can look to social media for what other people have done for help. They can ask their Facebook friends or hashtag migraines on twitter. Though social media shouldn’t be the end all be all to a diagnosis and treatment, it can help.
- Patients can find online support – Maybe getting to an actual support group is tough for a variety of reasons, but patients can find support online through social media. This can be very beneficial when dealing with any condition from anxiety to cancer to allergies. Support groups are easily accessible and patients can reach out at any time through social media.
- Patients can find information out about medications – Through social media, patients can learn about medications, including side effects and effectiveness. This can help in deciding what to take.
Again, social media should not take the place of medical attention and treatment, but it can be a supplement providing support and information.
Check out some sites and see how it can help you before and after, even during, an appointment or treatment.
Here’s to good health!
About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer covering topics related to health, social media and working from home.
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