| The field of healthcare has undergone drastic | | | | industry. However, the scenario has now changed |
| changes with the introduction of internet and its | | | | completely wherein the healthcare industry has |
| other related concepts. It has given rise to the | | | | become patient centered. With the information |
| internet savvy patient who is now able to get | | | | about diseases and the treatment options |
| information which had remained inaccessible for | | | | available freely over the internet the patients are |
| years with just a click of the mouse. The | | | | more capable of understanding the options and |
| healthcare is now patient centered and is looking | | | | give a well understood confirmation for treatment. |
| to improve based on the feedback available from | | | | Additionally patients are also able to question the |
| the patients and/or their caregivers. The patients | | | | healthcare provider if anything should go wrong in |
| who access the internet for various healthcare | | | | the procedure as they are well aware of the risks |
| related services have been aptly termed as | | | | and complications associated with such |
| e-patients. With the introduction of newer internet | | | | procedures. |
| concepts such as web 2.0 individuals are now able | | | | The patients suffering from long term or chronic |
| to interact live with others in different corners of | | | | diseases are seen actively participating in online |
| the world. | | | | communities or forums where discussion about a |
| Available Social Medias | | | | disease is going on. Based on their experience |
| The internet has now become quite active and | | | | about such disorders and the treatment methods |
| the most accessed service across the whole | | | | they are able to guide others regarding these |
| world. In the field of healthcare it has enabled | | | | subjects. Such patients also create their own |
| patients to interact with other patients and | | | | websites wherein they answer the queries of |
| caregivers to obtain additional information that | | | | other patients suffering from the same disorder. |
| were missed out by the healthcare provider. Such | | | | Chronic disorders such as diabetes and cancer can |
| discussions have become possible with the | | | | often lead to a high amount of depression or |
| applications such as forums, chats, blogs and | | | | frustration. Participation in some online forums has |
| many more. Some of the popular social media | | | | increased the confidence of such individuals and |
| concepts include: Facebook, Friendster, Flickr, | | | | helped them to lead a normal life. |
| YouTube, Blogger, and MySpace. Applications such | | | | In conclusion, the introduction of concepts such as |
| as these have opened up newer avenues for | | | | social media has resulted in dual benefits to the |
| discussing about healthcare related matters and | | | | patients. On one hand it has made the healthcare |
| also about other related issues. | | | | providers more responsible for their actions and |
| Power of social media | | | | on the other hand it has provided emotional and |
| In the last few decades the healthcare industry | | | | psychological support to millions of individuals who |
| was focused on providing better facilities for the | | | | are suffering from long term disorders. |
| doctors as they held the key to success of the | | | | |