Social media in public health: Strategies to distill, package, and disseminate public health research

Abstract

The worldwide expansion of users on the Internet has popularized the access of individuals to information that may not be obtained otherwise. Social media has fostered interactions between individuals and health organizations by changing the nature and speed of engagement. While it is known that many public health organizations use social media to engage their audiences, little is known about effective strategies and best practices for the dissemination of knowledge and audience engagement. Many barriers exist in the dissemination of public health messages, including limited funds to support information sharing. Blogs and social media networking sites can be dynamic, cost-effective communication tools with the potential to reach scientific, practitioner, and public audiences who may be missed through traditional outlets. This article describes rudimentary processes of developing a blog and using social media to disseminate public health information and potential applications in the day-to-day activities for other public health organizations. With the growing demand for instant communication and concise information, a strong Internet presence could help organizations maximize their reach and impact.