Social media has been shown to have the potential to spread medical awareness, new research from the University of Sydney has found.
Researchers analysed 15 international health-focused Twitter accounts (nine professional organisations and six medical journals) over the course of a year. Follower growth, content and absolute reach of the accounts were measured, and the results show growing utilisation of the service.
In a survey of 485 oncologists and physicians, 24% used social media at least daily to scan or explore medical information. Twitter was used to disseminate medical information on issues such as smoking, heart disease and the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Read more at University of Sydney