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Introduction
Just like in any other profession, the impact of social media is now evidenced in the health sector. Internet usage and respective social networking sites have become a common phenomenon. Professionals and organizations involved in the health sector have opted to network with colleagues and the public on related issues using social media. Important information is shared over the social networking sites, and this has evolved as an integral concept in the health sector. The benefits associated with using social media in the health sector are researched and discussed below.
Uses
From a personal experience, social media is integral in engaging with fellow professionals and patients. However, using social media to seek information on emerging health issues, medications and networking with other professionals is important (Dozier, Hacker, Silberberg & Ziegahn, 2011). The information sort from competent doctors and physicians, and shared on social media is used in making informed decisions. Networking through social media is integral for professionals who do not want to commit healthcare fraud. From a personal perspective, networking with professionals through social media is integral in implementing industry-based standards (Dozier, Hacker, Silberberg & Ziegahn, 2011). For example, the use of electronic billing and electronic health records requires to be replicated by professionals across the world. In addition, social media networking is used by professionals in training medical personnel and communication during a public health crisis.
American Public Health Association (APHA)
APHA is a remarkable organization with professional members all over the United States and other countries. APHAs major goals are to give professionals a platform to share and network, as well as, conduct research and information. In this regard, the organizations professionals promote and maintain bets public health practices through information sharing. The APHA Connect is an online community of health professionals who discuss pertinent issues about public health, events and share information on the same. The link www.apha,org/community is used by the professionals to link with the APHA Connect (American Public Health Association, n.d). In addition, APHA shares information and medical practices with professionals through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. The link www.facebook.com/AmericanPublicHealthAssociation is utilized by professionals, individuals and groups of interest to access expert opinion and information through Facebook (American Public Health Association [Facebook page]. (n.d).
Insights
The need for health professionals to engage in continued learning is an important aspect of the medical practice. The benefits of involving social media in public health can be evidenced from how professionals avoid Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations. For example, ethical issues concerning discussing patients and medical procedures without proper information is encouraged through social media. However, professional organizations like APHA, Medical Mingle and Doctors Hangout Out discourage doctors and nurses from practicing medicine through online sites. In other instances, social media has been used by professionals to network for available job opportunities. In addition, the idea of clinical applications for social media has been beneficial to healthcare professionals. From a personal experience, social networking sites such as Twitter are effective when used for administration purposes by the healthcare professionals. The use of social media in public health organizations has been replicated by Federal Emergency Management Agency through sharing of photos and information with the intent of promoting awareness among professionals and the public (Federal Emergency Management Agency, n. d). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) involves professionals and the public in promoting a safe and healthy community through social media (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2011).
Conclusion
As indicated earlier, social media has revolutionized how communication is done by public health professionals. Social networking sites have been integral in sharing of information, training and education among public health professionals. Importantly, the benefits of social media are based on low cost maintenance, impromptu feedback and time efficiency.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2011). Principles of Community Engagement. Web.
American Public Health Association [Facebook page]. (n. d.). Web.
American Public Health Association. (n.d.). APHA connect-Online community. Web.
Dozier, A., Hacker, K., Silberberg, M. & Ziegahn, L. (2011). The value of social networking in community engagement. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d). Blog, newsroom, videos, photos. Web.
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