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Social networks – The future for health care delivery

Author

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  • Griffiths, Frances
  • Cave, Jonathan
  • Boardman, Felicity
  • Ren, Justin
  • Pawlikowska, Teresa
  • Ball, Robin
  • Clarke, Aileen
  • Cohen, Alan

Abstract

With the rapid growth of online social networking for health, health care systems are experiencing an inescapable increase in complexity. This is not necessarily a drawback; self-organising, adaptive networks could become central to future health care delivery. This paper considers whether social networks composed of patients and their social circles can compete with, or complement, professional networks in assembling health-related information of value for improving health and health care. Using the framework of analysis of a two-sided network – patients and providers – with multiple platforms for interaction, we argue that the structure and dynamics of such a network has implications for future health care. Patients are using social networking to access and contribute health information. Among those living with chronic illness and disability and engaging with social networks, there is considerable expertise in assessing, combining and exploiting information. Social networking is providing a new landscape for patients to assemble health information, relatively free from the constraints of traditional health care. However, health information from social networks currently complements traditional sources rather than substituting for them. Networking among health care provider organisations is enabling greater exploitation of health information for health care planning. The platforms of interaction are also changing. Patient–doctor encounters are now more permeable to influence from social networks and professional networks. Diffuse and temporary platforms of interaction enable discourse between patients and professionals, and include platforms controlled by patients. We argue that social networking has the potential to change patterns of health inequalities and access to health care, alter the stability of health care provision and lead to a reformulation of the role of health professionals. Further research is needed to understand how network structure combined with its dynamics will affect the flow of information and potentially the allocation of health care resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Griffiths, Frances & Cave, Jonathan & Boardman, Felicity & Ren, Justin & Pawlikowska, Teresa & Ball, Robin & Clarke, Aileen & Cohen, Alan, 2012. "Social networks – The future for health care delivery," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(12), pages 2233-2241.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:75:y:2012:i:12:p:2233-2241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.08.023
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    5. Juliana Lustosa Torres & Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa & Michael Marmot & Cesar de Oliveira, 2016. "Wealth and Disability in Later Life: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-12, November.
    6. Antonio Sergio da Silva & Milton Carlos Farina & Maria Aparecida Gouvêa & Denis Donaire, 2015. "A Model of Antecedents for the Co-Creation of Value in Health Care: An Application of Structural Equation Modeling," Brazilian Business Review, Fucape Business School, vol. 12(6), pages 121-149, November.
    7. Rueger, Jasmina & Dolfsma, Wilfred & Aalbers, Rick, 2021. "Perception of peer advice in online health communities: Access to lay expertise," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    8. Jianye Liu & Roderic Beaujot & Zenaida Ravanera, 2018. "Measuring the Effects of Stress and Social Networks on the Health of Canadians," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 13(4), pages 891-908, December.
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    11. Foster, Drew, 2016. "‘Keep complaining til someone listens’: Exchanges of tacit healthcare knowledge in online illness communities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 25-32.

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