Attached below is the “Social Media Usage in Healthcare” paper. Using this paper, construct a conclusion using the template provided. Instructions on how to fill out the “Conclusion Template” is stated in the document.
Also attached below is the abstract that is already written. Follow these five steps, to condense the abstract and write the shortest abstract possible (one paragraph, 5 sentences):
1. State your problem and key statistics or obstacles and cite (this usually comes from the mathematical).
2. State what you examined in the scientific study (no need to give results here) and cite (Author, Year).
3. State what you examined in the ethical study (no need to give results here) and cite (Author, Year).
4. State what you examined in the cultural study (no need to give results here) and cite (Author, Year).
5. State two solutions as a conclusion.
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Social Media Usage in Healthcare
Name
School
Prof.
Course
Date
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Social Media Usage in Healthcare
Introduction
The usage of social media in the healthcare sector is the primary topic for this discussion.
Social media platforms are becoming increasingly popular and changing how people access and
share health information. A research conducted by the “Pew Research Center” shows that 72%
of adults USA are using the social media platforms, which is proliferating (Perrin, 2021). Social
media can potentially improve health outcomes by providing access to information, support, and
resources, but it also presents challenges such as misinformation and privacy concerns.
In order to understand the impact of social media on health, it is essential to know how
social media works and how people use it to access health information. Social media platforms
are online communities where people can share information, connect with others, and form
virtual communities around shared interests or experiences. In health, social media can share
information about conditions, treatments, and lifestyle choices. Social media also allows sharing
of personal experiences and emotional support from others dealing with similar health issues.
Furthermore, everyone should be cautious of the possible misinformation that might occur while
using the social media platforms, thus it’s important to rely on more real and valid details. (Chou
et al., 2019).
Social media is widely used for health-related purposes. Pew Research Center studies
shows that, 45% of USA adults have utilized social media for gaining information on health
(Perrin, 2021). This is particularly true for younger people, with 56% of individuals aged 18-29
using social media for health-related purposes. Social media is also used to interaction especially
for those users with similar health concerns, with 34% of those who use social media for health
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purposes saying they have come across experiences of other users about health issues on social
media in the past year (Perrin, 2021).
There is a very great evolution when it comes to the consumption of the social media
platform in the Healthcare sectors, with new platforms and trends constantly emerging. One area
of particular interest is using social media for health interventions and behavior change. Growing
evidence supports using social media to promote healthy behaviors such as physical activity and
healthy eating (Jha et al., 2020). Another trend is healthcare professionals’ social media use to
communicate with patients and provide health education (Chou et al., 2019). In addition, social
media platforms are increasingly being used for research purposes, providing new opportunities
for studying health behaviors and outcomes.
In today’s interconnected and quickly changing world, cultural and ethical inquiry is a
significant and intriguing research subject that has grown in importance. This field’s primary
goals are to get a more profound knowledge of the various cultural practices and ideas that
influence how we live and relate to one another and to explore the intricate interactions between
culture, society, and ethical ideals. It examines the various cultural practices and ideologies
influencing how people see and navigates their surroundings and the moral principles that direct
their behavior and decision-making. A deep awareness of the diversity of the human experience
and a dedication to comprehending and respecting the many ways that individuals live and
attempt to make sense of their lives lie at the core of cultural and ethical research. This entails
respectfully and empathetically engaging with other people’s perspectives and critically
analyzing the presumptions and prejudices underlying our own cultural and ethical perspectives
(Moore et al., 2023).
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Creating respect for the great diversity of the human experience and building a profound
grasp of the many diverse ways that people navigate and make sense of the world around them
are two of the main goals of cultural and ethical research. This entails critically examining our
own cultural and ethical presumptions and biases and being receptive to learning from the
viewpoints of others. A dedication to tolerance and inclusivity lies at the core of cultural and
ethical research (King, 2023). We can better understand how individuals live, think, and feel by
exploring how culture and ethics interact. By doing so, we may create societies that are more
inclusive, equitable, and prepared to handle the challenges of the modern era. The study of
culture and ethics spans a wide range of diverse fields of research and inquiry, making it a broad
and multifaceted field.
The following are some of the major themes and subjects investigated in this area:
Cultural identity: How people and groups define and communicate their cultural identities and
how culture shapes our sense of self and community. Diversity and difference: The ways that
cultural diversity and difference can affect how we connect, as well as the opportunities and
challenges of negotiating cultural differences. The frameworks and moral principles that direct
our decision making processes and how societal norms and values influence them are referred to
as ethics and morality (Weber, 2023). Power and privilege: The nuanced interactions between
power and privilege, culture, and ethics, as well as how these dynamics can lead to or maintain
injustice and inequality. Social change: The methods by which people and groups can work
together to bring about positive change in their communities and society, as well as the role of
culture and ethics in influencing social change and transformation.
Culture and ethics have been fundamental in forming our beliefs, values, and ways of
living throughout the history of human civilization. Over time, societies have changed and
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evolved, with them have come changes in the cultural norms and moral codes that serve as our
guides. The study of culture and ethics is more crucial than ever now as people struggle with the
problems posed by globalization, climate change, and other complicated topics (Angelini et al.,
2023). By examining how culture and ethics intersect, we can better understand the intricate
forces that shape our world and acquire the knowledge and skills required to have meaningful,
respectful conversations with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Cultural and
ethical inquiry is a crucial tool for comprehending the world around us and navigating the
complex ethical and cultural issues that we come across daily, whether we are exploring the
complexity of contemporary social issues, studying the history of human civilization, or working
to bring about positive change in our communities and societies.
In conclusion, cultural and ethical inquiry is a rich, varied academic discipline crucial for
comprehending the intricate connections between culture, society, and ethical principles. By
critically analyzing our own cultural and ethical presumptions and biases as well as those of
others, we can gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to build more inclusive and fair
societies that are better equipped to tackle the problems of the modern world. Studying cultural
and ethical inquiry can help us comprehend the nuanced interactions between culture and ethics
and provide us with the knowledge and skills to have productive conversations with people from
various cultural and ethical backgrounds. In the end, this can assist us in creating societies that
are more egalitarian and inclusive and are better prepared to handle the problems of the modern
era.
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Scientific Inquiry
In his research investigation, by Wong et al (2021), it was established that social media
and online communication were extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study
explored how individuals use social media and online communication during the pandemic to
access health related information, communicate with healthcare providers and support their
emotional well-being. The authors collected data from various sources, which includes research
articles, case reports, editorials and news reports.
The study was done because the researchers believe that social media and online
communication have become an important part of everyday life, and their use is likely to
increase during pandemics. The researchers also aimed to identify the advantages and
disadvantages of using social media and online communication in healthcare during pandemics.
In this study, the researchers examined the usage of social media and online communication
during the COVID-19 pandemic. They analyzed the data and found that social media and online
communication played a crucial role with in providing health related information, connecting
people with healthcare providers and providing emotional support during the pandemic. They
also identified some potential disadvantages, such as the spread of misinformation and privacy
concerns.
To summarize the study, Wong et al., (2021) examined how social media and online
communication were used in the healthcare industry during the COVID-19 epidemic. The study
found that social media and online communication were extensively used during the pandemic,
providing various benefits to individuals such as accessing health-related information and
connecting with healthcare providers. However, there were also potential disadvantages to using
social media and online communication in healthcare, such as the spread of misinformation.
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The results of this study shows that the researchers were right about the increasing use of
social media and online communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also showed
that social media and online communication can be useful in providing health related
information, connecting individuals with healthcare providers and supporting their emotional
well-being. However, there are also potential risks associated with using the social media and
online communication in healthcare such as the spread of misinformation.
Overall, this study is effective in highlighting the importance of social media and online
communication in healthcare during pandemics. While the study has some limitations such as the
reliance on secondary data sources, it provides valuable insights into how social media and
online communication can used in healthcare during pandemics. Further studies are needed to
explore the benefits and risks of utilizing online communication and social media in the
healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies to mitigate potential risks.
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Mathematical Inquiry
Social media usage in healthcare is a crucial subject to examine because it has recently
had an impact on more than 40% of the world’s population (Statista, 2022) as well as 80% of
internet users in the United States (Perrin, 2019). In the next 10 years, if it isn’t controlled, it is
anticipated to afflict 90% of people (Hootsuite, 2021). In a study by Jha et al. (2020) titled,
“Social Media and Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review” it was shown that social media usage
in healthcare affects primarily the younger generation and individuals from urban areas, and this
is because of the easier accessibility to technology and high-speed internet.
Examining the associated expenditures can help one comprehend some of the challenges
in addressing social media usage in healthcare. These expenses cover the cost of putting laws
into effect, training medical personnel and patients, and ensuring the confidentiality and privacy
of patient data. These are projected to be billions of dollars with estimate ranging from $10
billion to $billion $35 billion (Balkhi et al., 2020). Due to the fact that just a small portion of
those who are impacted are receiving care, this is a severe issue. (Jha et al., 2020).
Another study by Tang and Ng (2020) titled “Social Media and Health: A Review of the
Current Literature” revealed that social media use in healthcare has offered a potential remedy by
allowing patients to have access to health-related data, connect with healthcare professionals, and
obtain support from peer communities. However, the scope of the problem remains vast, and
more research is needed to determine the best practices and guidelines for social media usage in
healthcare.
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Ethical Inquiry
Considering the prevalence of social media platforms within the healthcare industry, this
practice has witnessed various opportunities and threats. Various ethical and legal considerations
surround the part played by social media in medical services provision from the World Medical
Association (WMA) focus posting of personal, inappropriate, off-topic, abusive, and malicious
material threatening the professional’s credibility. According to the CDC (2022), the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is the federal law about
disclosing disturbing digital content and information in health care that implicates healthcare
gaps since patients from low socioeconomic status cannot access social media.
Privacy and confidentiality laws should be implemented in the healthcare use of social
media since it prevents maladaptive behaviors and status anxiety. Kind (2015) noted that the
starting point is setting professional guidelines for social media usage to avoid the many ethical
and legal considerations regarding social media use that must be reflected in the codes and
standards set out for health institutions, physicians, and any other regulatory bodies. Therefore,
all the relevant stakeholders and policymakers must work towards developing standards that
optimize social media applications while mitigating potential threats (Chen & Wang, 2021).
Ultimately, the laws would eliminate the potential pitfalls of harnessing social media networks in
health care.
From a patient-centered viewpoint, Denecke et al. (2015) investigated the moral and legal
concerns surrounding social media use in healthcare. The findings suggest that privacy and
confidentiality were among the relevant issues that must be carefully preserved regarding social
media applications. Otherwise, the patient-physician relationship suffers because of the patient’s
newly obtained private information that the healthcare provider access via the online platforms.
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Physicians must maintain the borders between professional and private intact apart from
protecting patient anonymity while mentioning important content on the internet.
This study was conducted as a result of evidence that social media platforms are being
used more frequently in the healthcare industry as a direct means of supporting the provision of
patient-centered care (Denecke et al., 2015). Consequently, patients are advantaged because of
the availability of self-management tools, closer monitoring, and contact with others. However,
the limited privacy, security issues, and low communication barriers via social-media platforms
result in ethical problems. The study exploited social-media applications in healthcare by
carefully reflecting on the responsibilities that ensure data and information are available in
different settings and prevent abuse. The findings showed that maintaining data privacy and
confidentiality remains the main issue for patients and physicians.
Denecke et al.’s (2015) main contention is that certain young users may want to connect
with people anonymously, possibly as a result of their struggles with delicate subjects like their
sexuality or long-term illnesses. That means when social media has been applied as a health care
intervention, the participants’ privacy concerns are a key consideration. The underlying health
concerns and status should not be known by others or not be updated on their networks. In this
social context, anyone willingly sharing personal information to the general public must preserve
and respect their privacy and comfort level in health matters.
The same point was made by Ahmed et al. (2020) on the public exposure of patient
information by healthcare professionals on social media, arguing that maintaining patient privacy
and confidentiality is essential for doctor patient relationships and public confidence in medical
experts. In a context with many healthcare workers, the study found a strong correlation between
social media interactions and the high prevalence of posting details that could possibly identify
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patients to friends and families. The finding highlights that the increased awareness regarding
privacy issues reduces the episodes of professional online violations for patient confidentiality or
other unprofessional behaviors. The study suggested that healthcare professionals sometimes
share much patient information publicly. The negative effects of privacy breaches on eroding
physician-patient relationships, public trust, and professional disciplinary actions have declined.
Despite the research’s efforts to address the ethical issues related to maintaining patient
privacy and confidentiality in the social media usage context in healthcare, these ethical issues
reviewed contribute important questions associated with the official guidelines and laws ensuring
appropriate social media application in health settings and practice. Considering its broader array
of involved stakeholders and application areas, developing proper general guidelines in every
scenario become impossible. The weight of the ethical issues would preempt the development of
sound ways of addressing the negative impacts of social media on heath.
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Cultural Inquiry
Gauri et al. (2018) examined cervical cancer diagnostic and sociodemographic disparities
in Florida by stage. The Florida women in this study are from different cultures, including
whites, blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanics. One reason for this exploration is to prove whether
the socioeconomic status of an individual is related to their use of social networking sites. Again,
the electronic healthcare barriers are affiliated with organizations and people capable of
managing and allocating resources to avoid burdening clinicians while promoting efficiency.
In the exploration, the results show that ethnicity impacts Florida women’s ability to seek
treatment after the diagnosis stage of cervical cancer and the advanced stage. Unlike the whites,
the black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanics are considered to have a middle-to-low neighborhood
socioeconomic status. According to a study by Courtin et al. (2020), social policies’ cultural
implications are examined on the topic of improving health because of its potential to bring
better health outcomes (Courtin et al., 2020). The paper discusses how social policies could
improve the population’s economic well-being and health status. Therefore, the study advocates
for social policy investments as a unique opportunity to realize the health benefits of digitalized
communities and interventions.
This study was done because it was shown that inventions in early life, health, and
income can improve health outcomes. Because of being the key contributors to health disparities,
the consequent effect is on health outcomes by preventing diseases in the nation with soaring
health costs and declining healthcare quality. The study’s key point is that the digital republic is
an investment and achievement with stronger intuitive appeal considering its potential to
improve the population’s health and economic well‐being. The study also highlights the indirect
effects of social policies and interventions on health, taking into account how they affect
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socioeconomic determinants of health like income, education, housing, and employment.
According to Courtin et al. (2020), a person’s socioeconomic background is a significant factor
in determining their health and lifespan. Social investments would reduce infections and solidify
the socioeconomic circumstances and position of the people with large disease burdens. Social
media’s application in the healthcare industry was researched by Pianese and Belfiore (2021).
They agreed that the use of social media provides a forum for communication about health issues
amongst the general public, patients, and healthcare professionals, with the potential to perhaps
improve health outcomes. The findings show that the variations in functionalities from health
program promotions, professional networking, and patient education make its use in
pharmaceutical companies and hospitals worth it for communicating with the patients and
community.
Despite the study’s applicability to this matter, it still makes no attempt to map social
network use in healthcare, instead concentrating on its advantages for health communication.
Zhao and Zhang (2017) reviewed the literature to understand the users’ healthcare-seeking
behaviors and trends through social networks. The review focused on patients’ perspectives,
thereby providing an insightful view of this topic on social media application in healthcare,
considering the great diversities characterizing the healthcare sector. Concerns about the
legitimacy and reliability of the health information may prevent customers from using it,
according to Zhao and Zhang (2017). The main article does address the benefits of social
networks and healthcare but fails to highlight how accessing health information from social
media could impact patients from disadvantaged communities.
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CONCLUSION TEMPLATE
EACH WILL BE A FULL PARAGRAPH ( THREE PARAGRAPHS MINIMUM FOR
CONCLUSION)
TWO STUDIES MUST BE CHOSEN TO PROVIDE A POSSIBLE SOLUTION-THESE WILL
LIKELY COME FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
The problem of (highlight all key problems and restate your problem statement) was
shown to be (how significant) because__________
The studies examined showed _________________________________ as key problems.
There were weaknesses to these studies, such as ______________________
There were also key strengths, including, ______________________________________
Of the areas examined cultural/ethical/mathematical/scientific (choose one or two)
was/were strongest for my paper because it showed
__________________________________________ which is significant
because____________________________________________.
A study in (year) have been performed in (countries or regions), and these were done by
(Author) which have shown promise in solving this problem by
______________________________ (This could be a paragraph in length as you summarize
the study and indicate how it may provide a solution)
Another study in (year) have been performed in (countries or regions), and these were
done by (Author) which have shown promise in solving this problem by
______________________________ (This could be a paragraph in length as you summarize
the study and indicate how it may provide a solution)
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