Social network sites improve communication between patients, providers - but put data at risk

Social network sites (SNSs) facilitate communication between healthcare professionals, but they are limited in protecting data, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

SNSs can aid physicians in reaching patients, but research into their benefits and limitations in communication between healthcare professionals is lacking. In this study, researchers evaluated the utilization of SNSs for communication between health professionals in frontline clinical practice, professional networks and education and training.

Researchers evaluated literature published within the past 10 years in different databases. Searches were conduct with terms including social media, social network, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, WeChat, health or health profession. Of the 33 works in this study, the majority were surveys (25) with six interviews.

All of the analyzed studies stated SNSs had improved communication and information sharing between professionals. Benefits for SNSs included network building, collaboration and educational interactions. However, limitation in SNSs included technical knowledge, concerns on data protection, privacy and liability and concerns about professionalism.

“As the growth of SNSs is expected to rise, health professions should have a better understanding of how to attain secure and appropriate use of these platforms,” concluded first author Windy Chan, and colleagues. “Formal training should be provided to health professionals for the safe use of SNSs. Although not much mentioned in the included papers, a practical issue that should be given attention is how the SNS companies manage, analyze, repurpose or even disclose the data and content of communication. Health service institutes and providers must consider carefully in using SNSs for communicating confidential data to avoid jeopardizing patient privacy.”