Nurses play a vital role in promoting health and wellness. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention and are responsible for providing guidance and support throughout the healthcare journey. In recent years, the rise of social media has provided nurses with a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience and share their expertise on health and wellness. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of nurses creating social media content on health and wellness and why it is crucial to the healthcare industry.
Social media has become a significant source of health information for the public. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 80% of internet users have searched for health information online, with social media being one of the most popular sources of information (Perrin, 2019). By creating social media content, nurses can help ensure that accurate and reliable health information is available to patients seeking to learn more about their personal health. More important, however, is the understanding of the relationship between health literacy and patient outcomes. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), health literacy is defined as “a complex phenomenon that involves individuals, families, communities and systems… that encompasses materials, environments, and challenges specifically associated with disease prevention and health promotion”(NIH, 2021). Even the most educated person can have difficulty deciphering health topics in an emotionally stressful situation (Wittink & Oosterhaven, 2018). As a result, ensuring that health-related social media content is both understandable and actionable is a priority for nurses.
Social media also provides nurses with a platform to connect with their patients and build trust. In a study by McNeill and colleagues (2017), nurses reported that social media had improved their communication with patients and enhanced their relationships with them. Through social media, nurses can share their experiences, answer questions, and provide guidance to their patients in a more informal and accessible manner. In addition, social media allows nurses to share a degree of authenticity that can drive patient engagement in health and wellness activities.
Creating social media content can help nurses stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in healthcare. By researching and preparing content on various health and wellness topics, nurses can broaden their knowledge and skills, which can ultimately benefit their patients. Furthermore, sharing their content with other healthcare professionals can foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the industry.
It is essential to note, however, that creating social media content comes with certain ethical considerations. Nurses must maintain patient confidentiality and avoid providing medical advice without a proper assessment of the patient’s condition. Therefore, nurses should be well-versed in their organization’s social media policies and guidelines to ensure that their content adheres to ethical standards.
In conclusion, creating social media content on health and wellness is vital for nurses in promoting accurate and reliable health information, building relationships with patients, and staying up to date with the latest research and best practices in healthcare. While there are ethical considerations to be mindful of, nurses can utilize social media as a powerful tool to enhance their practice and improve patient outcomes.
References:
Health Literacy. (2021, July 7). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/health-literacy
McNeill, L., Brown, J. M., Shaw, R. L., & Webster, A. (2017). Patients’ expectations and experiences of social media use by nurses: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Journal of advanced nursing, 73(4), 900-912.
Perrin, A. (2019). About three-quarters of Americans say they go online on a daily basis. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/12/about-three-quarters-of-americans-say-they-go-online-on-a-daily-basis/
Wittink, H., & Oosterhaven, J. (2018). Patient education and health literacy. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 38, 120–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.06.004
