scholarly journals On the Value of Social Media in Healthcare: A Qualitative Exploration of Uses and Affordances (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Ukoha ◽  
Andrew Stranieri

BACKGROUND Social media is increasingly used by healthcare providers. However, despite the growing adoption of the application in healthcare settings, the various contexts of use and the value proposition in each context are not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the uses of social media in healthcare settings and the value proposition in each context of use, using a qualitative methodology. The affordances of social media and how healthcare providers appropriate social media for health-related activities are also explored from a Uses and Gratification Theory perspective. METHODS This study is an exploratory qualitative research study. Australian healthcare providers that use social media were contacted to participate in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, to identify common themes expressed across participants. RESULTS Nine contexts of use of healthcare social media emerged: professional networking, harnessing patient feedback, public health promotion, professional education, patient education, organizational promotion, crowdsourcing, research, and patient collaboration. Results indicates that healthcare providers are not passive users of information systems, rather, they make conscious decisions regarding if, when and how to use social media. Thus, healthcare providers use social media because they believe that it will help them realize the gratification or value they seek. CONCLUSIONS This study conclude that the value of social media in healthcare lie in its potential to support various activities in healthcare settings. However, its value proposition varies depending on context of use.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Parker ◽  
Monika Kastner ◽  
Karen Born ◽  
Nida Shahid ◽  
Whitney Berta

Abstract Background:Choosing Wisely (CW) is an international movement comprised of national campaigns in more than 20 countries to reduce low-value care (LVC). Hospitals and healthcare providers are examining existing practices and putting interventions in place to reduce practices that offer little to no benefit to patients or may cause them harm. De-implementation, the reduction or removal of a healthcare practice is an emerging field of research. Little is known about the factors which (i) sustain LVC; and (ii) the magnitude of the problem of LVC. In addition, little is known about the processes of de-implementation, and if and how these processes differ from implementation endeavours. The objective of this study was to explicate the myriad factors which impact the processes and outcomes of de-implementation initiatives that are designed to address national Choosing Wisely campaign recommendations.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals implementing Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations in healthcare settings in four provinces. The interview guide was developed using concepts from the literature and the Implementation Process Model (IPM) as a framework. All interviews were conducted virtually, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results:Seventeen Choosing Wisely team members were interviewed. Participants identified numerous provider factors, most notably habit, which sustain LVC. Contrary to reporting in recent studies, the majority of LVC in the sample was not ‘patient facing’; therefore, patients were not a significant driver for the LVC, nor a barrier to reducing it. Participants detailed aspects of the magnitude of the problems of LVC, specifically the impact of harm and resources. Unique factors influencing the processes of de-implementation reported were: influence of Choosing Wisely campaigns, availability of data, lack of targets and hard-coded interventions.Conclusions: This study explicates factors ranging from those which impact the maintenance of LVC to factors that impact the success of de-implementation interventions intended to reduce them. The findings draw attention to the significance of unintentional factors, highlight the importance of understanding the impact of harm and resources to reduce LVC and illuminate the overstated impact of patients in de-implementation literature. These findings illustrate the complexities of de-implementation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A Haegele ◽  
Amanda Yessick ◽  
T Nicole Kirk

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments living in Alaska. This study utilized a descriptive-qualitative methodology using an exploratory case study design. A convenience sample of four (one female, three males; aged 12–18 years) Alaskan youths with visual impairments participated in this study. Data included semi-structured interviews, reflective interview notes, and observational notes. Data were transcribed verbatim, and thematic development was undertaken inductively using a three-step analytic process. Based on the analysis, two interrelated themes emerged from the data: (a) “I don’t really participate in sports other than at camp”: preferences for unstructured activities and (b) “my sister’s willing to do anything”: familial impact on physical activity. Results of this study can help inform future efforts to promote physical activity engagement among youth with visual impairments, particularly those living in geographic areas similar to Alaska.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bafreen Sherif ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
Nadir Kheir

Abstract Background The annual New Zealand refugee quota was increased to 1500 places from 2020 onwards as a response to the global refugee crisis. The specific healthcare needs of refugees are not clearly understood globally and communication between healthcare providers and refugees remains poor. Methods A phenomenological qualitative methodology was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews among purposively selected stakeholders who work in refugee organisations and relevant bodies in New Zealand. Results The participants indicated the need for a national framework of inclusion, mandating cultural competency training for frontline healthcare and non-healthcare personnel, creation of a national interpretation phone line, and establishing health navigators. Barriers to accessing health services identified included some social determinants of health such as housing and community environment; health-seeking behaviour and health literacy; and social support networks. Future healthcare delivery should focus on capacity building of existing services, including co-design processes, increased funding for refugee-specific health services, and whole government approach. Conclusion Policymakers and refugee organisations and their frontline personnel should seek to address the deficiencies identified in order to provide equitable, timely and cost-effective healthcare services for refugees in New Zealand.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Julie Paterson

<p>The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a research project designed to investigate how social media is being used by archives to develop connections with family historians. This research used qualitative methodology and utilised Skype and Instant Messaging to conduct semi-structured interviews with participants from six archives. The research uses Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory as a framework. The research found the interviewees were using social media in various combinations to serve different purposes. In the majority of cases these tools were being used to achieve maximum access to the wider online community. The study highlights issues and concerns discussed by participants when using social media. There were limited examples of social media use to make connections with family historians during the study. Nonetheless this paper provides three detailed instances of its use to illustrate how archives can make these connections.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. a7en
Author(s):  
Laís Karla da Silva Barreto ◽  
Emanuelle Silva Barbosa ◽  
Luciana Gondim de Almeida Guimarães ◽  
Priscila Silva Esteves ◽  
Allan Gustavo Freire da Silva ◽  
...  

The advent of the internet has enabled changes in the way people communicate. The current reseach endeavours to analyse the organizational communication process, through social media, at the Academic Department of Philosophy and Human Sciences - DFCH, at the Federal University of Amapá. Methodologically, it is a qualitative, descriptive approach, configured as a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with the participation of 10 administrative technicians. The results reveal that communication in the DFCH occurs through integrated management systems (SIPAC, SIGRH and SIGAA), by email and institutional website and, informally, by WhatsApp. As a result of the research, it was proposed the creation of groups linked to the Dean Special Advisory Board (AER), to improve the communication process.  


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Dossena ◽  
Francesca Mochi ◽  
Rita Bissola ◽  
Barbara Imperatori

Purpose The research and practice agree that social media are reshaping strategy and organization rules across industries. Nevertheless, how social media can become a source of competitive advantage remains under-investigated and there is no evidence about which capabilities and competencies can effectively and strategically exploit social media. By merging the literature on social media management and hospitality, the authors develop and test a theoretical framework that identifies the most relevant capabilities and competencies for using social media in the food service sector. The paper aims to map them and understand which ones are relevant according to different strategic choices of social media use. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews to managers or owners of 14 restaurants in a big city in Northern Italy. Findings The theoretical framework suggests that social media could be strategically used for different aims by relying on specific capabilities and competencies. The authors tested it and found that, though nowadays restaurant managers mainly focus on a narrow set of social media competencies linked to relational and marketing capabilities, some also rely on social media to promote organizational change and innovation. Originality/value The authors propose a theoretical framework and preliminary evidence on capabilities and competencies declined for the food service sector. The model considers different uses of social media and related capabilities and competencies by mapping them accordingly to their strategic use. The authors preliminarily validate our framework and highlight the competencies possessed by the restaurant managers of our sample and their alignment with the strategic use of social media.


Author(s):  
Samantha Tang ◽  
Natalie E Anderson ◽  
Kate Faasse ◽  
William P Adams ◽  
Jill M Newby

Abstract Background Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used to describe physical and psychological symptoms experienced by some women following breast implant surgery. Few studies have examined the experiences of women with BII – a poorly understood condition with no clear cause or treatment. Objectives To explore women’s experiences of BII, including symptoms, healthcare encounters, social media and explant surgery. Methods Using an exploratory qualitative methodology, researchers undertook semi-structured interviews with twenty-nine women who self-identified as having BII. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis of the interviews identified six themes: 1. Symptoms without explanation; 2. Invalidation and invisibility; 3. Making the BII connection; 4. Implant toxicity; 5. Explant surgery: solution to suffering?; and 6. Concealed information. BII was described as distressing and debilitating across multiple domains including relationships, work, identity, physical and mental health, and symptoms were attributed to implant toxicity and immune system rejecting foreign objects. When their experience was not validated by health care professionals, many looked to social media for information, support and understanding, and explant as their only chance at recovery. Conclusions BII is disabling mentally and physically. Women with BII require support, understanding, and validation, and proactive treatment to prevent disability. With unclear pathophysiology, future research should examine how biopsychosocial approaches can be used to guide treatment, and how to best support women with BII, focusing on early detection and evidence-based education and intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol V (IV) ◽  
pp. 147-160
Author(s):  
Abdul Rehman Qaisar ◽  
Maryam Shahid ◽  
Sajjad Ali

The present finding aimed at studying "Usage of Social Media Applications and Social Interaction Patterns among Teenagers". Keeping in view the major concepts of the study, Uses and Gratification theory and Dependency theory is applied. In the current study, data were collected from the students of schools and colleges through the survey research method. A well-designed questionnaire is used for data collection. A purposive convenient sampling technique is used. A sample of 400 students is selected. The analysis of findings reveals that teenagers more frequently use WhatsApp (81%). Teenagers like Education-related content on social media applications (66%). The findings also reveal that teenagers agree that the use of social media applications has reduced Indoor Activities (79%). A correlation test is applied. The hypothesis of the study is that there is a negative relationship between times of using social media applications with content liking on social media applications. Times of using social media applications are negatively correlated with the reduction of Indoor Activities, Offline Friendship, Outdoor Activities and Sports.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 534
Author(s):  
Catherine J. Lucas ◽  
Anne T. McMahon ◽  
Karen E. Charlton

Nutrition care is an important component of primary health care as a way to promote positive lifestyle behaviours and reduce risks of chronic disease. Despite this, it appears that primary healthcare settings, including antenatal care, miss opportunities to deliver nutrition care. Time constraints, lack of nutrition knowledge and lack of confidence have been identified as barriers for primary healthcare providers in delivering nutrition care. Nutrition training to upskill primary healthcare providers to deliver nutrition care in a timely manner therefore appears warranted. This forum article discusses models and methods of continuing professional development (CPD) and the effectiveness of nutrition CPD for primary healthcare professionals. It includes a case study as an example of developing nutrition CPD for midwives using adult learning theory and concludes with implications for developing nutrition education resources for primary healthcare providers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Julie Paterson

<p>The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a research project designed to investigate how social media is being used by archives to develop connections with family historians. This research used qualitative methodology and utilised Skype and Instant Messaging to conduct semi-structured interviews with participants from six archives. The research uses Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory as a framework. The research found the interviewees were using social media in various combinations to serve different purposes. In the majority of cases these tools were being used to achieve maximum access to the wider online community. The study highlights issues and concerns discussed by participants when using social media. There were limited examples of social media use to make connections with family historians during the study. Nonetheless this paper provides three detailed instances of its use to illustrate how archives can make these connections.</p>


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