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Chronic patients benefit from online medical advice from other patients via, for example, a Facebook group. Mutual contact between patients via social media often has a positive effect on the relationship between the patient and the caregiver. Especially when the online interaction of the chronically ill aims to exchange emotional support, this can strengthen the patient's connection with their doctor. Surprisingly, giving (and not receiving) emotional support to companions in misfortune seems to have a positive influence on the relationship with their own caregiver.
Edin Smailhodzic concludes in his dissertation Transformative Effects of Social Media: How the Use of Social Media by Patients Affects Roles and Relationships in Health . He will receive a Ph.D. from the University of Groningen on Thursday, 18 October.
Patient Forums and Online Communities
Smailhodzic investigated the influence of social media on the relationships between patients and health professionals. He analyzed messages on patient forums and online communities of diabetics and people with brain injuries, and interviewed patients and doctors. By exchanging online knowledge about their condition, patients have more self-confidence and are more expert interlocutors of health professionals, according to Smailhodzic
Self-Determination
Smailhodzic used the Psychological Perspective of Self-Determination to understand the changing relationships between patients and explain to them the health professionals. He found that online emotional support for patients is more important than informative support. "Patients often start using social media to search for information. But the emotional support they find online has a positive influence on the relationship with their caregiver. The kinship between patients increases their self-determination and strengthens their position vis-à-vis the health professional. Apparently, this more equal position promotes physician confidence and the process of achieving common treatment. What is remarkable is that simply providing emotional support to fellow educators – and not receiving help – increases patient self-determination. "
Supplement to Regular Care
The use of social media modifies the role of the patient and caregivers, among other things, as it allows patients to learn from each other's experiences. the exchange of information on social media may lead to replace or supplement traditional, offline health care. "During my research, I attended new online collaborations with For example, a doctor who answers frequently asked questions on a patient forum so patients do not have to make a separate appointment, "says Smailhodzic.
A General Practitioner as a Coach
Social media patients also alter the actions of general practitioners. Smailhodzic concludes on the basis of 19 interviews. Instead of educating their patients from above, general practitioners supervise them so that they can play an active role in the treatment process. "Patients can worry about information found on social media. The general practitioner is therefore more focused on socio-emotional support than on purely technical actions. Patients with a higher level of knowledge also refer to the general practitioner. General practitioners can therefore learn from their patients, especially in the case of rare diseases. "
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