title: Social media use by patients with glaucoma: what can we learn?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Much health-related information is available on the internet but its quality is known to be variable. This research aimed to analyse the ophthalmic content of social media platforms which has yet to be formally assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five online social media platforms were selected, the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) forum, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Patient Opinion.org.uk. A total of 3785 items were scraped from the sites, collated and analysed using simple thematic analysis by two coders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen themes were identified. The most commonly discussed topics included treatments, care experiences, promotions and support. Un-moderated sites contain more misleading information. Complementary therapies and treatments with a poor evidence base are presented more positively than established, evidence-based treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Online forums give patients a space to air questions, grievances, suggestions and to provide mutual support. The information they contain may be of use to physicians by flagging adverse drug reactions, areas for service improvement or topics about which patients require more information. There is a risk of exposure to misleading content which is heightened in un-moderated sites. Social media platforms may be an adjunct to current care models by providing a supportive and educational online community if these risks are understood.
authors: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
authors: Freia
authors: F
authors: McGregor
authors: John E A
authors: JE
authors: Somner
authors: Rupert R
authors: RR
authors: Bourne
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Munn-Giddings
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Shah
authors: Vinette
authors: V
authors: Cross
mesh_terms: D005901:Glaucoma / Q000628:therapy; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D063005:Health Information Systems / Q000592:standards; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D061108:Social Media / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Web 2.0; glaucoma; media; social; support group