A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), suggests that utilizing social media can enhance patient empowerment for individuals considering or undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) procedures. The study, published in the April issue of the journal, highlights the potential benefits of social media in improving patient autonomy and decision-making.
Conducted by researchers using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing platform, the online survey gathered responses from 473 participants, of whom approximately 70% had undergone PRS procedures. Among them, 40% had undergone cosmetic surgery, 23% reconstructive surgery, and 8% both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The study assessed patient empowerment using a modified version of the Cyber Info-Decisional Empowerment Scale (CIDES) and examined the associations between social media use and patient empowerment.
The findings revealed that three-fourths of patients sought plastic surgery information online at some point during their PRS experience. Patients who obtained information online, particularly through social media platforms, demonstrated higher scores for patient empowerment across various categories measured by CIDES. Social media users scored higher in six out of seven CIDES categories, including patient knowledge, decision-making processes, and awareness of treatment options.
Facebook users, in particular, exhibited higher scores in specific categories such as the decision to consult with a plastic surgeon, questions during consultation, and awareness of treatment alternatives. Similarly, RealSelf, a platform dedicated to plastic surgery, was associated with increased empowerment regarding treatment options.
The study also indicated that social media had a greater impact on patient empowerment for individuals undergoing cosmetic breast surgery and certain reconstructive procedures. While most patients found information from their plastic surgeon’s office helpful, some expressed difficulties in understanding the provided information.
Lead researcher Dr. Lin emphasized the importance of understanding the role of online information, especially social media, in promoting patient-centered decision-making. Dr. Lin suggested that engaging with social media platforms can contribute to patient empowerment by providing evidence-based information and fostering a sense of community among patients and physicians.
The study underscores the potential of social media as a valuable tool to enhance patient autonomy and decision-making in the context of PRS procedures. It aligns with previous research indicating that empowered patients often experience improved healthcare experiences and outcomes. As medical care continues to evolve towards patient-centered models, leveraging social media platforms may play a crucial role in empowering patients and facilitating informed decision-making in plastic surgery.
