Internet Technologies and the Health Care System
The use of social media as a source of health information is increasing. For example, large teaching facilities often have a link on their website for additional information about a particular disease or procedure. However, Internet sites like blogs, content communities, and other social networking sites as a source of health information is not without its challenges. These challenges include privacy, security, reimbursement, and accessibility. In your response, address the following:
- How can inadequate or lack of access to communication technology (the digital divide) lead to care inequality in the emerging e-health model?
- Discuss at least two types of social media and give examples of how social media can be applied to e-health.
- Discuss the three challenges noted above and how they relate to the use of social media on the internet as a source of health information.
Guided response: Your initial post should be a minimum of 200-250 words.
- Utilize a minimum of two scholarly sources, excluding the textbook.
- Sources should be cited in APA format, as outlined in the Writing Center.
- You must respond to at least two of your classmate’s posts by Day 7.
- Your three required posts must be on three different days of the week.
- In your response to you classmates discuss the advantages and disadvantages of at least two social media options.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The increasing use of social media as a source of health information has resulted in both advantages and challenges in the emerging e-health model. This answer will address the challenges of inadequate or lack of access to communication technology, types of social media applicable to e-health, and the challenges related to social media on the internet as a source of health information.
1. How can inadequate or lack of access to communication technology (the digital divide) lead to care inequality in the emerging e-health model?
Inadequate or lack of access to communication technology has become a significant challenge in the emerging e-health model. The digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of technology tools and services between different socioeconomic groups, resulting in differential access to healthcare information and services. The effects of the digital divide may lead to care inequality because people with limited access to health information are less likely to seek health care services, leading to poorer health outcomes. Additionally, people with limited access to communication technology may have difficulty accessing quality care and treatment because the healthcare providers may not have access to the latest medical technology.
2. Discuss at least two types of social media and give examples of how social media can be applied to e-health.
Two types of social media that can be applicable to e-health are blogs and content communities. Blogging is an effective tool for healthcare providers to disseminate valuable health information and engage with patients. On the other hand, content communities such as forums are ideal for patient-to-patient interactions where they can share their health experiences, provide emotional support, and gain relevant information about their health conditions.
3. Discuss the three challenges noted above and how they relate to the use of social media on the internet as a source of health information.
The three main challenges related to the use of social media on the internet as a source of health information are privacy, security, and accessibility. Privacy is a significant concern because social media platforms may not have robust privacy policies, and users may unknowingly provide sensitive information that may be easily accessed by the public. Security involves concerns about the potential for hackers to break into social media accounts or networks and alter health information or steal personal data. Accessibility relates to the issue of inadequate or lack of access to communication technology, as discussed above, which may limit the ability of certain populations to access e-health services.
Conclusion:
The increasing use of social media as a source of health information in e-health should be backed by robust policies that address privacy, security, and accessibility concerns. Addressing these challenges will ensure that the benefits of social media in the health sectors are fully leveraged to improve health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
