About This Project

We hypothesize that the subject matter and emotional context of tweets about medical topics have evolved over time. Our research aims to further characterize these topics. Our secondary aim is to study the readability of patient-specific education materials available through public microblogging social media networks and mobile applications. We hypothesize that these materials are written at high reading levels precluding understanding by most Americans.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

In the digital age, the Internet is a common tool used by the public for communication of information. In the context of clinical care, the Internet is a platform through which physicians, patients, and other healthcare stakeholders can engage in virtual communication. Medical information is a frequently searched topic on the Internet, with studies showing that 84% of people in America utilize the Internet and with 80% of those searching for medical information. Additionally, social media has transformed health services research by increasing circulation of information among the general public. Moreover, with almost 68% percent of adults owning a smartphone, mobile application development for the purpose of medical care has soared in popularity.

What is the significance of this project?

Unfortunately, digital health educational materials may be misinterpreted by patients and negatively affect their health behaviors and outcomes. Patients with poor health literacy receive fewer preventive services, utilize more expensive medical care, and are more likely to be hospitalized. Thus, providing this population of patients with more readable and understandable health education resources may positively impact clinical outcomes. Additionally, our analyses on Twitter will provide an opportunity to better understand patients' and providers' thoughts on healthcare and help to characterize current conversation.

What are the goals of the project?

The primary aim of our research group is to evaluate the content of healthcare communication through mobile applications and social media across all medical specialties with the goal of improving digital healthcare communication to better patient care. We hypothesize that the subject matter and emotional context of tweets about medical topics have evolved over time. Our secondary aim is to concurrently study the readability of patient-specific education materials available through mobile applications. We hypothesize that these materials are written at high reading levels precluding understanding by most Americans.