In today’s digital world, health care is no longer confined to hospital walls. Social media platforms are influencing health behaviors, while telemedicine technologies are redefining patient-doctor interactions. But are these innovations improving health care, and what are the risks, if any? This article explores how digital platforms, namely social media and telemedicine technologies, are reshaping patient care and bridging gaps in education, access, and engagement.

For many, social media has become a primary source of medical advice, with millions turning to it for health-related content. So much so that hashtags like #MedTok and #HealthTips have amassed billions of views, making them common tags used by doctors and other health educators on these platforms.

To the average patient and health enthusiast, social media has proven itself to be a valuable tool in health care and has served three main functions:

1. Increasing health literacy. Health professionals have been utilizing short, engaging videos to break down complex medical topics, thereby increasing health literacy by making medical information more accessible to the general public. Researchers continue to explore the effects of social media on positive behavioral change. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that increasing awareness through social media can positively influence health behaviors and enhance information dissemination.

2. Debunking misinformation. The world of health care is full of myths and doctors are increasingly faced with the challenge of debunking them. While the internet contributes to misinformation, it is also a powerful tool that medical professionals have been using to combat myths—a popular content strategy among health care providers.

3. Improving patient engagement. It is evident that the public actively engages with health content on social media, fostering communication between doctors and patients. This often leads to better health outcomes, as a significant number of patients book appointments after viewing content and interacting with health care professionals online.

Two of the biggest risks in social media-based health care education are misinformation and ethical concerns such as patient privacy. While social media can be educational, the risk of disseminating false information is high. Studies have shown that a large percentage of viral health claims contain inaccuracies, particularly on topics such as medication use and chronic disease management, vaccination, weight loss, and cancer treatment.

Another major issue is patient privacy. Medical professionals must ensure they do not violate privacy regulations by revealing patient identities without permission or by sharing misleading content under the guise of education and business promotion.

Another digital platform that has been transforming health care is telemedicine and its associated tools.

Telemedicine: A permanent shift in patient care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, which now plays a crucial role in modern health care. Patients and doctors alike have embraced virtual visits for routine checkups, mental health services, and chronic disease management, and it has been both beneficial and challenging.

The benefits of telemedicine in modern health care. Telemedicine has been a lifesaver for rural and underserved populations, allowing them to access general practitioners, specialists, and other health care providers without having to travel long distances. Even patients in urban areas enjoy the convenience of not having to leave their homes for routine care.

Additionally, telemedicine has been saving both practitioners and patients valuable time, enabling physicians to see more patients per day while allowing patients to meet their daily obligations without neglecting their health. This increases treatment compliance and disease outcomes.

Also, in this post-pandemic era, the availability of virtual mental health sessions has reduced barriers to care, increased patient compliance due to the comfort and privacy of remote visits, and has motivated the younger population to seek help faster.

The challenges of telemedicine. Despite its benefits, telemedicine presents a few challenges. Limited physical examinations remain a concern, making it essential for physicians to take responsible action and instruct patients on when an in-person evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. It also presents the issue of privacy and protection and ensuring data security.

Furthermore, the digital divide becomes a reality for patients without reliable or affordable internet access, or the necessary health technologies. This form of inequity poses a significant challenge to modern health care delivery.

The future of health care: A hybrid model of care

From TikTok to telemedicine, digital platforms are revolutionizing patient care by enhancing education, accessibility, and engagement. However, they also introduce risks such as misinformation, privacy concerns, and disparities in access. The key is to leverage these tools responsibly while maintaining the human connection that defines quality health care.

Looking ahead, the future of patient care will likely blend digital and traditional approaches. However, in integrating telemedicine and social media strategies, physicians must ensure ethical and evidence-based practices. As we evaluate the present and look to the future, should health technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning models be integrated into the curricula of medical schools and physician training programs? This just might be an integral step in preparing doctors for the future.

Jalene Jacob is a physician-entrepreneur.