The internet is changing the way we do everything, including the way we get healthcare. Patients are more empowered than ever to take charge of their own health, learning about their health online and equipping themselves with knowledge about treatment options and medical device usage. People are linking up from all around the globe to form support communities, sharing experiences and providing an emotional place of solace for physically isolated patients to know "you are not alone."

1. The Empowered Patient:
5 Ways Social Media
Makes Patients Stronger

2. The rise of social networks has
changed the way we communicate and
interact, including the way we learn
about healthcare and medical devices.

3. • 80% of Internet Users look
online for health information
• 23% use social media to
follow health experiences of
friends
Source: Geonetric
The Internet is very
powerful in its way to
connect people, and also
to educate and empower.
The Rise of Digital Health

4. Here are 5 ways
social media is
giving rise to the
empowered patient:
The Empowered Patient

5. 1. Social Media allows us to share information
and discuss issues that are important to us
Who has
these
symptoms?
Humans have an
innate desire to feel
connected with
people who live life
through similar
lenses.

6. 2. Patients are coming together at large to empower
themselves with information about treatment options
and knowledge about medical devices
Many people are now
taking charge of their
own
healthcare, researching
their options before they
meet with their doctors.

7. 3. Patients are self-advocates for their own care, and
have the power of a community of advocates
Social Media is used
to spread awareness
about a disease or
condition and to
motivate others to
help join their cause.
Janet Murnaghan took to Facebook to
rally support for her 10-year-old daughter,
Sarah, to be eligible for the adult lung
transplant list, which required a minimum
age of 12.

8. 4. Blogs give individuals a voice and serve as resources
People have a
chance to share
their individual
patient journey and
give insight about
what it’s like to live
with a condition.

9. 5. There are social networks centered on a specific
disease or condition
Social communities
help provide much-
needed
encouragement and
help spread
awareness about
things that are
important to watch
out for.

10. Want to know more about
the Empowered Patient?
Read the full article here.
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