A Health Professional-Led Synchronous Discussion on Facebook: Descriptive Analysis of Users and Activities

Assessment of the Sources of Information by Patients With Rheumatic Diseases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of use, search intent (SI), level of accessibility, and degree of reliability of sources of information (SOIs) in rheumatology.

METHODS

A survey among adult outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and spondyloarthritis was conducted. They were asked if they had procured information from 12 selected SOIs during the past year. Search intent was defined as the source they would like to consult. Accessibility and reliability were assessed through 0-to-10 scales (minimum and maximum, respectively).

RESULTS

Four hundred two patients were surveyed. They had consulted a median of 3 SOIs (interquartile range, 2-6) but described a higher SI: median of 5 SOIs (interquartile range 3-8); p = 0.001.The most consulted SOIs were the physician (83%), other patients (45%), and Facebook (36%). The main differences between SI and the searches actually performed were observed in community lectures by health care professionals (49%), scientific societies (48%), and associations of patients (27%); p < 0.001. These 3 sources showed low level of accessibility. Facebook, press, radio, and YouTube were the least reliable sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients consulted a median of 3 SOIs but reported a significantly higher SI. Although patients demand more information, the request is leveled at SOIs with difficult accessibility but high reliability.

Social Media in Occupational Health Nursing: Helpful or Harmful?

Background: Social media, an online vehicle for communication and media sharing, is a growing phenomenon in many aspects of everyday life, including health care. We explored the ways occupational health nurses can use social media as a helpful resource as well as identified potential concerns associated with its use. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted between December 1, 2019, and April 10, 2020, using PubMed and Google Scholar. Key search terms included social media, social network, nurse or nursing, occupational health, and online health. Criteria for selection included studies with results on social media within health care, nursing, and/or occupational health. Studies were also included if the health effects of social media were addressed. Six additional studies that had been previously identified by hand searching were included. Findings: These findings support the use of social media in occupational health for encouraging participatory health care among employees. Occupational health nurses can also utilize social media for health information, online health communities, emergency communication, health education workshops, professional connections, and continuing education. However, awareness of safe social media practice is necessary due to the possibility of misinformation and privacy breaches. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Social media can be used for education and communication with employees and is a way to support employees with specific health conditions through participation in online health communities . Occupational health nurses can take advantage of the speed and accessibility of social media to reach large numbers of employees. It is also a useful tool for addressing many health concerns encountered by employees; however, careful sourcing of information, awareness of company policies, and other safe practices can help to ensure it is helpful and not harmful.