Why Health Care Needs to Get on Board with Social Media

What is the possible connection between social media and health care? These are two words that don't often go together. There have been instances when health care professionals have been fired because of a comment about a patient on Twitter. There had been stories too where therapy students were kicked out of school just by posting inappropriate pictures in Facebook.

Hearing these news, some health care organizations and professionals are doubtful about joining various social media sites. While there are risks in online social networking, there are also many potential benefits. All in all, social media is still a great tool to connect patients and health care professionals such as therapists. It's also a great source of information both for patients and therapy professionals.

Search engines are good sources of information on health care, treatment plans and medications. Currently, more than 73% are using Google, Yahoo! and other online resources. The number just keeps on growing. Hence, it is crucial for the health care industry to take a step forward and ensure that the information available online is correct. Through social media, therapists and other professionals in the health care industry can do that.

Health care professionals carry the responsibility on educating the public about the facts. By providing information immediately or by clearing patient's doubts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can make a huge difference in their lives.

Since many people are engaged on social media, it will be here to stay and the health care industry should join in to inform, educate and engage consumers to live a healthier and a better life.

Are you on Twitter? Follow me @tinalancio. Another form of social media is blogging. Try sharing your experiences on various patient cases. Educate fellow health care professionals as well!

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