Benefits, Challenges, and Social Impact of Health Care Providers’ Adoption of Social Media

Bibliographic Data

ID12170760
AuthorsIrfanuzzaman Khan (0000-0003-2671-7053, University of Canberra, Bruce Campus, Australian Capital Territory, Australia), Jennifer Loh (0000-0003-0556-6380, University of Canberra, Bruce Campus, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume40
Issue6
Pages1631-1647
Publication date2021-06-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science Computer Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0894-4393 • E-ISSN: 1552-8286
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/08944393211025758
OpenAlexW3176524012
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited66

With the advent of telecommunication technologies and social media, many health care professionals are using social media to communicate with their patients and to promote health. However, the literature reveals a lacuna in our understanding of health care professionals’ perception of their behavioral intentions to use innovations. Using the Unified Technology Acceptance Framework (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology), in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Australian health care experts to uncover their intent and actual use of social media in their medical practices. Results revealed that social media tools offered five significant benefits such as (i) enhanced communication between health care professionals and their patients, (ii) community support, (iii) enabled e-learning, (iv) enhanced professional network, and (v) expedited health promotion. However, result also revealed barriers to social media usage including (i) inefficiency, (ii) privacy concerns, (iii) poor quality of information, (iv) lack of trust, and (v) blurred professional boundary. Peer influence and supporting conditions were also found to be determinants of social media adoption behaviors among health care professionals. This study has important implications for health care providers, patients, and policy makers on the responsible use of social media, health promotion, and health communication. This research is also among the very few studies that explore Australian health care professionals’ intent and actual use of innovations within a health care setting

Business · Health care · Health promotion · Political science · Public health · Public relations · Social determinants of health · Social media · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Media in Health Education

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