Use of Social Media in Doctor–Patient Relationship by Patients in Federal Medical Center, Keffi, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

A good doctor–patient relationship (DPR) is important for quality health care delivery. Measures that improve such will improve health outcomes. Online social media (OSM) has become an important part of our lives. The DPR can be improved through OSM by increasing the interaction between the physician and the patient. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and pattern of use of OSM by patients visiting our clinic. This was a cross-sectional study among 304 patients visiting the medical outpatient department of our hospital between January and July 2019. Patients visiting the clinic were randomly selected and interviewed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25. 278 (91.4%) out of 304 participants used OSM. Facebook (87.8%) and WhatsApp (86.5%) were used more frequently. The use of OSM was associated with the level of education (p = 0.001). 158 (56.8%) patients had sent friendship requests to their physicians while 242 (87.1%) will like to be friends with their physicians through OSM. 111(39.9%) patients had discussed health issues with a doctor through OSM. 88.8% of the patients agreed that interactions through OSM can improve the DPR. A significant number of these patients will like to interact with their physician through OSM. The DPR can be improved through OSM by increasing access to health information and making access to physicians easier.

Keywords:

• Doctor–patient relationship
• social media

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge Dr. Wilson Egwuda and Dr. Becky Murtala for contributing towards the data collection.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Obumneme Emeka Okoro

Obumneme Emeka Okoro is a Dermatologist and medical ethicist in the Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria. His research focuses on various aspects of dermatology and improving access to health care.

Ikechukwu Okeke Mbah

Ikechukwu Okeke Mbah is a Nephrologist at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State and a senior lecturer with College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos both in Nigeria. His research focuses on prevention of renal diseases and improving access to health care.