The Use of Social Media in Nursing: Pitfalls and Opportunities Chapter 12: The Use of Social Media in Nursing: Pitfalls and Opportunities

Social Media A method to share and transmit information to a far- reaching audience A method to engage with that audience to Improve health outcomes Enhance knowledge Affect health care policy

Social Media (cont.) Promote causes and raise money Stay connected to other nurses Participate in professional organizations Inform patients and caregivers and the public Communicate with patients and colleagues Perform research

Types of Social Media Social Networks Virtual network, virtual communities, or online communities all designated platforms that give others access to groups of people outside their geographical boundaries They provide a supportive environment. E.g., Facebook—public and closed groups

Social Bookmarking Search, organize, individualize, and comment on Web pages of interest. Digg.com Reddit Stumbleupon

Social News Similar to Bookmarking, but helps users find top relevant news articles Links are organized, posted, and voted upon with the most popular links at the top of the list.

Media Sharing A software platform where users share Photos/videos and other social components. E.g., YouTube Most utilized form of media sharing

Microblogging Media platform where users can post short comments and links to their “wall” E.g., Twitter Must have a “handle” Hashtag

Virtual Worlds Computer-generated simulated settings where users can Manipulate elements Interact using an avatar Purchase goods and services Has been used in nursing to simulate birth for nursing students and many others

Question Is the following statement true or false? Microblogging is a social media platform where users can post short comments and links to their “wall.”

Answer True Microblogging is a social media platform where users can post short comments and link to their “wall,” where others can view or follow their comments. True. Microblogging is a social media platform where users can post short comments and links to their “wall”.

Wikis Allow multiple users to post Internet-based content, modify content, and create online communities E.g., Wikipedia While it is dynamic, it has open structure that can be modified or authored by any user.

Blogs (Weblogs) A place where individuals can write comments or forums about the topic of their choice Usually focused on one specific topic area that promotes discussion and engagement E.g., Wordpress RTConnections Digital Doorway

Social Media Use by Patients (How Nurses Can Support Patients) Empower patients in educating themselves with social media The rise of the e-patient to seek out: Current evidence Engage others Collaborate

The Nurse’s Role Assess candidates to educate on social media Steer toward the informed sources Consider if patient has access Troubleshoot with them

Question Which of the following is a nursing role in social media? A. Troubleshoot with patients B. Consider if patient has access C. Assess good candidates to educate on social media D. All of the above

Answer D All are within the role of nursing.

Pitfalls of Social Media and Nursing Can also be unpredictable, dangerous, and harmful at times for patients and nursing due to: Breaches of privacy—HIPPA Anonymity False “cures” Nurses “friending” patients Personal scrutiny

Social Media in Nursing Practice Benefits Enhance practices Education and research Promote self-management for patients with chronic illness Support Excellent platform for training Research—nursing and patients

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