Transformative effects of social media: How patients’ use of social media affects roles and relationships in healthcare
| PhD ceremony: | dr. E. (Edin) Smailhodzic |
| When: | October 18, 2018 |
| Start: | 12:45 |
| Supervisors: | prof. dr. A. (Albert) Boonstra, prof. dr. ir. D.J. (David) Langley |
| Where: | Academy building RUG |
| Faculty: | Economics and Business |
Contact between patients on social media improves the relationship with healthcare professionals
People with chronic illnesses benefit from online medical advice from other patients, for example via Facebook groups. It appears that contact between patients on social media can have a positive effect on the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. If online interaction between chronically ill people focuses on providing mutual emotional support, the patient's relationship with their doctor can improve. Surprisingly, it is giving emotional support to fellow sufferers (rather than receiving it) that seems to strengthen the ties with care providers.
For additional information please see the press release