TikTok doctors are on the rise with the new age of technology and developing social media apps. This has brought us to a new way of finding health information, using digital media. Apps like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and websites like WebMD have become the first line of answers and information for those who seek to know more. Using digital media can be a wise choice in getting a quick answer to a question or a fact about a disease, but it is becoming increasingly questionable as a reliable source for patient education. Here, we will talk about the role of digital information in this current era of patient education and how it can be beneficial or not.
Understanding the role of social media and digital forms of health information is essential in promoting health literacy and helping patients learn more about their own diagnoses. With a vast variety of media forms, tons of information is accessible to all, but it is important to know how to use it correctly.
With an increase in the use of digital media, the patient population will grow to be more educated, be prepared with questions for their provider, and actively participate in their care when they are well equipped with knowledge about it.
Within the realm of digital media include apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and websites like WebMD, provide information to us all. Apps have been created for many mental health concerns, reproductive topics, and so much more. In a greater sense, the development of telemedicine as a whole has revolutionized healthcare and patient education as well. Having access to these resources can allow for a greater number of people to receive help, be comfortable in asking their questions, and increase availability to providers with accurate information.
With the click of a button, a video call with your provider or a quick Google Search, patients have many ways of accessing health information. Telemedicine is one of the largest ways this is occurring and it is a quick and easy way to get in touch with a provider for information that does not require an in person appointment.
In addition, various apps that patients can download have also changed the game for obtaining information and are a large source of help for patients. Reliable ones such as BetterHelp, Amwell, and Maven Clinic are among current apps that provide online assistance and answers for medical questions you may have. In a study done evaluating the effort of said platforms, “Apps such as BetterHelp and Paloma Health show that virtual clinics offering health management services have great potential to reduce burden on patients, healthcare providers and extend accessibility and reachability for those in remote areas” (Zolfaghari, 2024).
Although digital media can be a great source of information, it may not always be reliable or accurate. The internet and its extensions are great resources, but that also comes with loads of information that may be inaccurate, conflicting, or create additional worry. In addition, not all information is patient friendly. Some may include medical terminology that is not understood by the layperson and is not accurate at describing the relevant information.
It is important to stay up to date with information from accurate sources like the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control. It is also always a good idea to reach out to your own provider for information if you are not sure of what you have found.
Using digital media as a means to inform yourself with information is a beneficial way of preparing and learning. With many apps on the market and access to the internet, there is most likely information about everything you may need. Although this is true, it is important to check where you get your information from and double check with other sources so you are not misinformed.
Hopefully, this has sparked a search in you for learning and becoming an educated patient, please let us know if this is helpful and what you think!
Zolfaghari, Neeyaz. Digital Health Tools: Improving Patient Education and Advocacy in Underserved and Remote Areas. Accessed March 18, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-health-tools-improving-patient-education-areas-zolfaghari-ik50c/