Title: Use of social media by healthcare professionals in Greece: an exploratory study

Authors: Ioannis Apostolakis; George Koulierakis; Alexander Berler; Anargyros Chryssanthou; Iraklis Varlamis

Addresses: Department of Health Services Organization and Management, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave., 112 51, Athens, Greece. ' Department of Sociology, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave., 112 51, Athens, Greece. ' HL7 Hellas, 9 Palaiologou Str., 15124 Marousi, Greece. ' Hellenic Data Protection Authority, Auditors Department, ICT Auditor, 1-3, Kifisias Ave., 11251 Ampelokipoi, Athens, Greece. ' Department of Informatics & Telematics, Harokopio University of Athens, 70, El. Venizelou Str., 176 71, Kallithea, Greece

Abstract: The continuously and rapidly changing landscape in the fields of communications, Internet and social media make it imperative for professionals to better understand the role of Information and Communication Technologies and their impact on everyday activities. Several frameworks have been proposed in order to capture various dimensions of social media and measure their impact on people's social, professional and other activities. The effect of social media and Web 2.0 applications on the healthcare sector is also significant. This paper examines Greek healthcare professionals' attitudes towards internet, social media and mobile technologies, explores their familiarity with social networks and associates their answers with their professional profile. The results of this exploratory study are discussed within the context of the growing international relevant literature.

Keywords: healthcare professionals; social media; web 2.0; medical information; electronic healthcare; e-healthcare; ICT; Greece; internet; mobile communications; social networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2012.049873

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2012 Vol.7 No.2, pp.105 - 124

Published online: 17 Oct 2012 *

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