The Impact of Social Media on Terminally Ill Patients

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1. Introduction Social media is changing the way that doctors and patients communicate. It is reshaping health care with the help of modern technical innovations such as internet connectivity, smart phones, tablets, and desktops. This ranges from patient support groups to instant messaging (Aishwarya, 2012:[sp]). Media usage has evolved over the last few years and research in this field has shown how children’s psychological factors are linked to social media (Heim, et al, 2007:49). These factors suggest that the internet is a powerful communication tool that not only connects children with others but also empowers them by providing a learning environment and social support (Heim, et al, 2007:52-53). A rapid and innovated advance in social media offers numerous opportunities for modifying health behaviour by allowing the users to conduct research, review previous experiences, seek out medical advice, and lets users choose whether they would like to be identified or anonymous. Although there is a considerable potential for these media tools such as, video chat, weblogs and social networks, this media usage, requires careful application with regards to how the information is used, and may not always give the desired results when seeking medical advice or solutions (Korda, Itani, 2013:15). Carleen Hawn (2009:361) explains that across the health care industry, new media tools are changing the way that patients and doctors interact which is why people are adopting this method of using social media for health related issues (Korda, Itani, 2013:15). Bates (2013:[sp]) identifies that animation is an excellent and ingenious way to encourage children to communicate stories, ideas and concepts in a creative and original way. As explained... ... middle of paper ... ...M- WEBSTER. 2014. Support Group. [online]. Available from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/support%20group [Accessed 12/03/2014]. SEIVERS, C. 2012. 20 hospitals with inspiring social media strategies. [online]. Available from: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/20_hospitals_with_inspiring_social_media_strategie_10655.aspx [Accessed 12/03/2014]. TEXAS, D. Dialysis and Social Networking. 2013. [online]. Available from: http://devontexas.com/2013/03/30/dialysis-and-social-networking/ [Accessed 26/02/2014]. WIENER, L. CRUM, C. GRADY, C. MERCHANT,M. 2012. To Friend or Not to Friend: The Use of Social Media in Clinical Oncology. 8(2), 103-106. ZANNI, G, R. BROWNE III, C, L. Coping with Terminal Illness. 2010. [online]. Available from: http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/August2010/CounselingTerminalIllness-0810 [Accessed 28/02/2014].

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