The power of social networks to exponentially amplify the good, bad and even neutral health experiences and information of patients simply cannot be ignored today and even less in medical practice.
Despite its prevalence in most of our personal life and free time. A surprising number of health care organization and practice managers still wonder why social media is important in health care.
- In July 2021, there are more than 4.4 billion people on social media, a number that has doubled in the last six years.
- Almost 90% of all adults in the US search for health information on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social networking sites.
- Of patients who use social media for health information, a PwC Health Research study found that 42% seek provider / practice reviews. 32% post about the health experiences of friends and family, and 24% watch health-related media.
- More than 75% of Americans use social media to research their health symptoms.
- 90% of 18-24 year olds said they trust medical information shared on their social media.
- Younger Internet users between the ages of 18 and 24 are twice as likely to use social media to discuss health issues as their elders in the 45-54 age group.
- 32% of Millennials took a health-related action based on the information consumed on social media platforms.
- Almost all parents use social media and the majority (68%) of them use social media to get health information.
- 28% of health conversations on Facebook support a health-related cause. 16% share health-related videos or images.
- Over 80% of patients seek provider / practice reviews on social media after being referred by another person or provider.
After a slow initial adoption rate (and some help from factors beyond their control), healthcare facilities today recognize the need for a social media presence.
AND YOU?
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