Social Media in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

Social media has emerged as a new channel for both seeking information, and for creating and exchanging user-generated content among peers. But as the amount of information being uploaded to social networks such as Facebook, Whatsapp or YouTube continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern reliable health information from misleading content. Both medical professionals and patients must be able to use digital technologies in their work and communications properly. Practical guidance for healthcare providers, researchers and patients This free online course provides practical guidance to healthcare providers, patients and researchers. It is an essential course for anyone who is looking into the opportunities and challenges of using social media in healthcare, including as a mass communication tool during infectious disease epidemics.