Instructions for use
Social networks are today one of the most important means of contact between people and dissemination of news, but they are also becoming an increasingly used channel for finding health-related information.
The ubiquitous nature of access to information is undoubtedly the feature that has played the key role in social networks becoming new sources of news concerning health in general and medicines in particular. One must, however, ask oneself some questions as to how the peculiar characteristics of each social media can influence the content of medical communication. In this regard, the research published in March 2014 in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics.
The data collected showed that 24% of adults had read at least one review about a drug or medical treatment online. In the research, a total of 10 social networks were compared of which 4 characteristics were compared: 1) Generic social networks versus social networks specialised in health; 2) Presence of moderators; 3) Registration requirements; 4) Availability of Question and Answer (Q&A) formats.
It was found that the differences inherent in these parameters had a significant influence on the content of the information conveyed in terms of: the types of drugs covered; the subjective nature of the debate; and the content in terms of the 'medical concept'.
The results of this survey can be useful first and foremost in guiding healthcare providers in selecting the right social network and in advising patients on their needs and, in the long run, in providing insights for the creation of new and more specific healthcare networks.
If you wish to read the research in full, please consult  Journal of Biomedical Informatics
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
English 
Italian