Being the e - Generation most of us have become so dependent on internet for all most all our needs. From a song of your favorite artist to what you can cook from bread left overs, from sari designs to fashions of tribal people, from origami air crafts to rocket science and the list may go on, is just a touch away.Google is excellent, a total savior, a fixer, a friend in need, a mind reader, and a teacher ....
With the advancement of the technology use of Internet has become an inseparable thing in human life and it has made the most simplest daily chores easier by leaps and bounds. People use internet for Everything and this is true when they fall ill as well.
Back in the days when someone fell ill it was either self medication, visit to the doctor and sometimes we may get the help of a friend. Now this " friend" is replaced with social media and google.
Being public about private life has become a fashion in social media and this is no exception when people are sick.A Knight in Armour for the Damsel in Distress !!!!!!!!
Social Media is of help -
- It provides access to medical assistance or advice to millions of people who complain of their ailments in different groups where medical professionals provide advice.
- There are professional forums which provides support for Mental Health to people who are either embarrassed or not in a position to obtain a direct medical advice
- It provides a platform for Public Health Education where people are made aware of diseases, prevention strategies, novel discoveries in health care sector.
- It provides patient counselling on medications, indications, side effects and proper usage
- It is an excellent place for people to develop their own interests on Healthcare Sector.
- Further Social media can be used to establish very basic healthcare practices very effectively among both young and old.
Ex - Proper use of contraceptive methods
- Importance of vaccination
So the social media is of immense help for mothers with sick kids, students with stress needing medical assistance and also for people who are interested in living healthy !
But all the people who go on giving Medical advice are they all professional?
The biggest problem with social media is the users tend to Trust.
This applies to healthcare as well. Giving wrong advice for the wrong patient by a wrong personnel can lead to various complications, serious adverse events such as hospitalization or even death.
The Social Media has only replaced your "friend" but Not your Doctor and the Healthcare team. It is fine to get advice but people should meet the doctor as well.
Similarly there are millions of cosmetic products, whitening creams, weight gain products, weight loss products and many borderline products being advertised and sold through Social Media. These should be regulated to ensure the quality safety and efficacy of these products.
Not everything in social media is reliable information and every person giving medical related information may not be a Health Care Professional (HCP). This leaves a huge responsibility on Policy Makers and HCPs in using and regulating what and what not to be posted and shared in Social Media and as well as to streamline who says what!!
So next time when you seek help in social media for your ailments or regarding your medication you can always check for the reliability of information and keep in mind its always best to meet a doctor when ill and meet a pharmacists to know about all the borderline products such as Ayurveda medication and cosmetics.Social Media Cannot Replace the Health Care Team !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Piumish (B.Pharm USJP)
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