Month: June 2018

The Effect of Social Media on Patient Health

Posted on by VettersEnt

From late nights spent staring at Instagram feeds to thumb injuries from scrolling too much (seriously), social media has a serious effect on patient health. While the impact on physical health might not be as prevalent, the effects on mental and emotional health can be very serious.

The Power of Social Media for Public Health

One of the most beneficial effects of social media and mobile connectivity on public health has been the opportunity for more healthcare providers to meet patients where they are. The Suicide Hotline expanded to add chat and text messaging options, allowing people of any age to receive crisis mental health consultations anywhere in the country at any time. Facebook has also added a feature where friends can anonymously report a post that another friend makes as concerning, and the platform will provide the friend with mental health resources. These are just two examples of how social media can provide people with health resources when they are at their most vulnerable.

Social media also makes health information more accessible, which can be a good or bad thing. While it makes it easier for people in food deserts to learn creative ways to prepare healthy food on a budget without access to a great deal of produce, it can also make it easy to disseminate false medical information.

Social media can also be an excellent place for vulnerable patients to connect with one another. It can be especially empowering for patients with rare conditions to meet people, across the country or the world, who are experiencing the exact same thing. While some patients would have suffered their entire lives with loneliness, social media can provide them with a place to connect.

The Negative Effects on Patient Health

Social media addiction is a growing problem, especially in young adults and teenagers who are used to spending the majority of their time on digital devices. An estimated 210 million people are suffering from addiction to social media. Young, single females are the most likely to deal with an addiction. Don’t think you’re a compulsive social media user? 50% of people driving while using a smartphone are checking social media apps. Over 70% of adults sleep with or next to their cellphone. Finally, almost 75% of Americans check Facebook on a daily basis.

As providers, it’s important to realize that patients might be using social media as a stand-in for other healthy parts of life, like spending time with friends and family. Or, they might be using social media to distract themselves from mental health difficulties.

What are the potential negative effects of social media on physical patient health?

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from typing and swiping on a mobile phone too frequently
  • Eye problems can occur from staring at screens for long periods of time
  • Chronic fatigue is common in teenagers who stay up late to check social media networks instead of getting enough sleep
  • Lack of exercise or an increased risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Distraction while walking or driving, which can lead to accidents or injuries

Improve your Practice Health with Vetters Enterprises

Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.

How to Empower Patients Throughout the Diagnostic Process

Posted on by VettersEnt

When asked what they would improve about their patients, many doctors will indicate the desire for patients to take more control over their health, whether that means putting recommendations into practice or making an effort to build relationships with their doctors. How can you empower your practice’s patients throughout the diagnostic process?

What Do Patients Want from the Healthcare Experience?

A 2016 study of patients examined what patients want the most from their providers. A whopping 75% of patients indicated the desire for a more personal relationship with their providers. The majority of patients also wanted greater convenience and access to digital tools. These desires especially come to a head when patients are experiencing an illness or ailment and going through the diagnostic process.

Embrace the Benefits of the Internet

Building a relationship with patients doesn’t mean spending hours in each appointment getting to know their favorite color. Instead, it means being open to a patient’s concerns and being accessible where and when they need you. The internet is an amazing tool for staying connected with patients and empowering them throughout the diagnostic process. When most patients have a concern, they will head straight to the internet to learn more and ask questions. If your practice offers a secure health portal where they can find out more and send messages, patients will be able to equip themselves with knowledge and feel more understood.

Communicate Clearly and Offer Actionable Plans

Empowering a patient does not start or stop in the exam room. Since so many patients feel comfortable seeking health information from other sources (that may or may not be reputable), it’s important for doctors to offer them clear, achievable and realistic action plans. Giving patients accurate information will soothe fears that inevitably occur during the diagnostic process and prevent patients from clinging to false ideas.

Encourage Wearables and Tracking Methods

If patients are concerned about their health or going through the diagnostic process, encourage them to track symptoms and activities that promote health. Whenever patients actually start to measure and pay attention to their health, they will be more empowered to make the changes necessary to improve the metrics. From keeping a food diary to tracking blood sugar, small changes can add up to lifestyle transformations.

Partner with Vetters Enterprises Help with Your Value-Based Care Reporting

Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.