Authors

• Torkkola, Sinikka (Tampere University. Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences)
• Vuolanto, Pia (Tampere University. Faculty of Social Sciences)

Keywords

health professionals, health services, internet, nurses, occupational qualifications, patients, physicians, social interaction, social media

Abstract

The data explored what kinds of threats or opportunities social media and the internet have introduced to the work of healthcare professionals. The data were collected as part of the research project 'Struggling with Ignorance: Negative Expertise and the Erosion of the Finnish Information Society at the Turn of 2020” (NEGATE).

First, the respondents were asked how often they follow various social media platforms and other online content privately and professionally, and how often they comment on discussions or initiate discussions on different social media platforms. Next, the impact of social media and the internet on the interaction between patient and physician or nurse, as well as on the care relationship, was examined. For example, the respondents were asked whether misinformation on social media or the internet regarding diseases had endangered patient safety and whether misinformation on social media and the internet undermines trust in physicians/nurses. Subsequently, the respondents were asked, for example, whether they professionally obtain new information from social media, whether they guide participants in social media discussions towards accurate information, and whether they have encountered professional conflicts on social media. Finally, the respondents were asked how they protect their privacy on social media, particularly from the viewpoint of professional identity, and whether the hospital in which they work has provided guidelines on the use of social media.

The background variables for the data include age categorised in five-year intervals, gender, occupational title, and information on the length of time the respondent has been working in the profession.