Social Networking and Health Literacy

Amanda’s blog brought up a great question regarding health literacy and the use of social networking sites. If individuals are unable to comprehend information being given to them by health care provider’s, are social networking effective at improving patient outcomes? Leea, Arozullahb, & Choc (2004) explained that low health literacy may have adverse health effects by limiting patients’ ability to comprehend health information and follow written medical instructions, to communicate with physicians and other health care providers, and to negotiate the complexity of health care and obtain proper and timely care. With such a concern for an individual’s understanding of health information, a provider must utilize any option available to reach the patients in their care.

             It is important that healthcare providers understand all aspects of educating the individual including family and friends as well as utilizing technology. If utilizing advancements in technology to reach out and provide alternative options for patients to gather information and become health literate is what we are wanting as future providers. Leea, Arozullahb, & Choc (2004) stated that support in individuals’ social networks can improve their ability to acquire and understand medical information and to negotiate the health care system. Such social support and resources would be important for those with low health literacy in facilitating the establishment of healthful attitude and behavior and would improve the health status of patients in need.

            By intertwining social networking sites and healthcare there is a possibility to make a significant change in individual’s lives. Not only can an individual get support from family and friends, they can gather helpful information from their provider as well. Technology is creating another avenue for providers to establish support for patients.

           

Reference

Leea, S., Arozullahb, A., Choc, Y. (2004). Health literacy, social support, and health: a research   agenda. Social Science and Medicine, 58, 1309-1321