The Dissemination of Health Care Needs Through Social Media

Another form of support offered by the social media to its ill-stricken users is medical support. This might sound funny on how someone could get medication online either through Facebook or Twitter. However, research shows that the social media has created a link of communication between the sick people and the health services. Doctors, nurses and the medical facilities, in general, have taken a technological phase and created online platforms in the social media to share their knowledge, create awareness and extend their services to relatively more comprehensive coverage.

Scientific researchers on health-related matters have also been using the social media to share their information concerning various health conditions. International groups offering medical support and creation of awareness to fight for human health are also using the social media to enhance their outreach. World Health Organization runs online websites and multiple pages in various online platforms to create awareness of different diseases among other concerns of human life.

Research by Courtney (2013) shows that the social media has been used over the years by the people with health concerns to source useful information on what they are suffering from, appropriate medication and where to get the health care.

‘Online doctors’ have also ventured into the internet and social media hubs to offer their Medicare services such as prescriptions, new drugs, and prevention measures. People living with various diseases can access these services either for free or at a fair charge.

In their research, McGowan et al. (2012) show that a more significant number of patients are using the social media to share their health concerns with medical experts and access healthcare.

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Over 45% of the individuals and organizations offering medical support through social media have been rated reliable, with 75% of the users confessing that the social media provides efficient, safe and efficient medical support (McGowan et al. 2012).

The aspect of socialization is a critical component among the ill people. Because of the health defects among the ill-stricken, there is limited mobility and socialization. This has been a significant cause of mental disorders and stress among the sick. They feel isolated, discriminated and lonely in their world. However, social media has revived their ability to socialize with others by opening forums where one can chat and exchange ideas with the outside world. Socializing through the social media has led to tremendous improvement in mental health among the sick people. It has given a chance for the sick to interact with their friends and share their experience, hence reducing cases of stress, anxiety and mental disorders (Moorhead et al. 2013).