Motor neurone disease (MND) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Social media communication on selected #MND and #ALS tagged tweets

Abstract

In March-April 2016, 3288 original tweets tagged with #MND #ALS and other minor related tags (e.g., #cureALS #cureMND) were analysed using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods on tweet data and content. In this paper we outline the technical methods used in gathering and selecting relevant tweets for analysis, and present the results including inductive coding of content themes. The findings will inform (a) future social media research in relation to MND/ALS, (b) improved supports for people with MND/ALS and their families to use Twitter for information exchange, advocacy, and as a non-verbal form of communication, and (c) knowledge for MND/ALS service providers and philanthropic organisations on ways to engage with adults with MND/ALS in Twitter.