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Cited by 342Social Media in Health EducationHealth Literacy and Information AccessibilityMobile Health and mHealth Applications

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 17 of the 17 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Empowering patients through social media: The benefits and challenges

Househ, Mowafa, Borycki, Elizabeth, Kushniruk, Andre·2014·Health Informatics Journal
DOI 10.1177/1460458213476969
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Abstract

This article explores the range of social media platforms used by patients and examines the benefits and challenges of using these tools from a patient perspective. A literature review was performed to investigate the use of social media technology by patients. The MEDLINE database was searched using the terms “social media” and “patient.” The search was conducted in September 2012 and yielded 765 abstracts. Initially, 63 abstracts were selected. All articles dating from 2004 through 2012 were included. Only 12 articles were found to be relevant for the purposes of the review. The results of this research found that there appears to be an increase in the use of social media by patients across the healthcare spectrum. The research indicates a promising future for the use of social media by patients; however, evidence related to the efficacy and effectiveness of social media is currently limited. Various challenges have also been identified relating to privacy and security concerns, usability, the manipulation of identity, and misinformation. The use of social media technology is an emerging trend for patients who are seeking health information. Conclusions are that such technology holds promise for improving patient engagement and empowerment and community building. Social media has a future in healthcare, especially with regard to patient engagement and empowerment; however, there are several challenges to overcome before the technology can achieve its potential.

Overview

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/1460458213476969

Cites

17 of 17 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Citations

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Lau AY, 2011, Yearb Med Inform, 6, 131
  2. Househ M, 2012, Stud Health Technol Inform, 180, 808
  3. Househ M, 2011, Stud Health Technol Inform, 169, 616

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Metadata

Authors
Househ, M., Borycki, E., & Kushniruk, A.
Affiliations
  • King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (SA)
  • University of Victoria (CA)
ORCID
Venue
Health Informatics Journal
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2014-02-18
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
50-58
ISSN
  • 1355-4743 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-4582
  • 1741-2811
DOI
10.1177/1460458213476969
OpenAlex
W2169205257
Cited by
342
References
17
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 33 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 44 · 2020: 49 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 26 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 9
FWCI
31.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • Health Informatics Journal (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Social Media in Health Education
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Keywords
social media, patient empowerment, patient engagement, health information seeking, privacy and security, identity manipulation, misinformation, usability, online health communities, patient-physician communication
MeSH terms
Humans, Patient Participation, Patients, Power, Psychological, Consumer Health Information, Social Media

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