reducing feelings of social isolation and accessing health information. However, concerns about risks resulting in increased vulnerability to being unsafe online, ...
Clinicians perspectives on the use of social media after brain injury Dr Louise Warren & Sonja Soeterik Neurolink Psychology 10 Harley Street London W1G 9PF
Introduction Social media use has many positives for people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) including reducing feelings of social isolation and accessing health information. However, concerns about risks resulting in increased vulnerability to being unsafe online, and accessing inaccurate health information due to cognitive, communicative or behavioural disability has been noted (Brunner et al. 2015).
Preliminary online survey 142 respondents
PosiIves & concerns about social media use.
Objective A preliminary survey to understand clinicians and case managers views on social media use in clients who have had a TBI and determine whether ‘social media’ rehabilitation goals are being set. Results 142 respondents completed a 5-minute on-line survey that was sent to case managers and clinicians through organisations including BABICM and UKABIF and Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Most respondents were Occupational Therapists and the majority used Facebook, Twitter or Instagram in their personal lives,
Concerns over social media use • MisinterpreIng relaIonships & boundaries
80% had concerns over social media use. 73% don’t ask about social media use in their iniIal needs assessment 71% do not set social media goals.
• Inappropriate behaviour towards others • Vulnerable to exploitaIon online • Impact on medico-‐legal case • Privacy seWngs • Portrayal of self online
• Impact on wellbeing
Yes
Roles of social media in clients lives DaIng -‐ facilitaIng meeIng potenIal romanIc partners post injury 9%
InteracIon with clinical professionals 1%
Possible goal areas
Maintaining contact with pre-‐injury friends 31%
Other 34%
• Time on Social Media • Staying Safe Online • Time away from social media
• Logging on & accessibility Vulnerability to scams
• EmoIonal adjustment • Keeping in touch with family & friends Developing new
AcIviIes -‐ playing games online 3%
Peer support eg Brain Injury support groups 9%
friendships post-‐ injury 7% Maintaining contact with new post-‐ injury friendships 6%
Conclusion Despite concerns over vulnerability of TBI clients posting and receiving inappropriate posts and vulnerability to scams, ‘social media’ rehabilitation goals are typically not set. Perceived positives of social media use included reducing social isolation and providing a sense of belonging. Social media is an integral part of many people with brain injuries lives and further research is required to improve the support they need to do this effectively after TBI. Reference: Brunner M, Hemsley B, Palmer S, Dann S & Togher L (2015) Review of the literature on the use of social media by people with traumaIc brain injury (TBI), Disability and RehabilitaIon, 37:17,1511-‐1521
