Influence Of Social Media In Health Care

This assessment will address the potential and risk assessment of using social media in health care. Furthermore, it will address the policies and guidelines which all nurses are expected to adhere.

In the past few years, the popularity of social media has increased tremendously. The board and evolving term ‘social media’ can be defined as a group of web-based applications and technology such as Facebook and Twitter that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content (Power, 2014). A myriad number of social media tools such as Facebook, YouTube, WebMD are available for health care professionals in Australia and globally (Power, 2014). Social Media is valued in health care as it can improve professional networking, student’s education,

2014). To illustrate these points, we should look at the use of Social media in Australian mental health care. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2014-15, there were 4.0 million Australians (17.5%) who reported having a mental or behavioural condition (“National Health Survey: First Results, 2014-15, 2015). More often these people are afraid and resistance to seeking face to face help regarding mental illness. Due to this, Australian mental health organization such as Beyond Blue provides professional and confidential online support services seven days a week to help Australian take control of their mental health and wellbeing (Beyond Blue, 2016). Furthermore, by uploading videos about mental health in YouTube and Facebook, they provide education by raising awareness amongst people regarding mental health. Due to the reasons mentioned above, it can be said that Social media acquires tremendous potential for strengthening professional relationships and providing valuable information to health care consumers. However, while social media has become one with the fabric of society, the misuse of social media can lead to a myriad number of risk that presents regulatory concerns, which will

1. Nurses must maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Privacy and confidentiality are essential rights of the public society. Shielding those rights, with respect to an individual’s personal health information, is the nurses ethical and legal obligation as health care providers. As new demands of advanced technology use in health are is increasing, it is very significant for nurses to maintain the privacy and confidentially as the professional connection of their patients and colleagues are dependent on it (Gorea RK, Gorea A, Gorea A, 2016)

2. Nurses must provide high standard, accurate and evidence-based information.
It is important for nurses to discuss the benefits, risks and potentials consequences of every medical advice or treatment. While blogging, for instance, nurses have a duty to share accurate and valuable information to prevent any harm (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2008).

3. Nurses must maintain their professional