Neurology and the Internet: a review

Abstract

Nowadays, the Internet is the major source to obtain information about diseases and their treatments. The Internet is gaining relevance in the neurological setting, considering the possibility of timely social interaction, contributing to general public awareness on otherwise less-well-known neurological conditions, promoting health equity and improving the health-related coping. Neurological patients can easily find several online opportunities for peer interactions and learning. On the other hand, neurologist can analyze user-generated data to better understand patient needs and to run epidemiological studies. Indeed, analyses of queries from Internet search engines on certain neurological diseases have shown a strict temporal and spatial correlation with the "real world." In this narrative review, we will discuss how the Internet is radically affecting the healthcare of people with neurological disorders and, most importantly, is shifting the paradigm of care from the hands of those who deliver care, into the hands of those who receive it. Besides, we will review possible limitations, such as safety concerns, financial issues, and the need for easy-to-access platforms.

The Use of Social Media and Digital Devices Among Italian Neurologists

“…The most frequent reasons for using social media were to obtain health information, maintain contact within the medical community, provide information to colleagues and patients, and receive clinical updates. These findings emphasize the wide range of opportunities provided to physicians by social media and are consistent with the results of a systematic review that identified the following seven main uses of social media platforms for health communication: (1) providing health information on a range of conditions; (2) providing answers to medical questions; (3) facilitating dialogue between patients to patients, and patients and health professionals; (4) collecting data on patient experiences and opinions; (5) use for health intervention, health promotion, and health education; (6) reducing stigma; and (7) providing online consultations (4).…”

“…The use of digital devices and the introduction of online social networks have transformed many aspects of clinical practice. Both patients and physicians are increasingly using the Internet and social media platforms to obtain, provide, share, and comment on health information (1,2). On social media, users can create and share content and can take part in social networking collaborative projects (e.g., Wikipedia), content communities (e.g., YouTube), social networks (e.g., Facebook), web logs (blogs), or virtual games (3,4).…”

Public Interest in Neurological Diseases on Wikipedia during Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

“…Some studies have shown that online interest in borreliosis and in West Nile virus disease correlates with their prevalence [7]. Most studies of neurological diseases did not show a correlation of web visitors' interest with the disease prevalence [3,8].…”

Impact of social media interventions and tools among informal caregivers of critically ill patients after patient admission to the intensive care unit: A scoping review

“…6 Reporting prevalence of social networking site use among parents of preterm infants. 7 Determining parents perception and preferences for information sharing in the neonatal intensive care unit.…”

“…The use of social media in healthcare for increasing speed of communication, distributing accurate information, and promoting knowledge of support, treatments and self-care options is becoming more widespread [6,7]. Patient-and family-centered healthcare, which acknowledges that patients and their informal caregivers are central figures in decision-making and delivery of care [8], recognizes that patients and caregivers exist within an online social structure and network of relationships [9].…”