According to a Capstrat-Public Policy Polling survey, 84% of respondents said they would not use social media or instant messaging channels for medical communication if their doctors offered it. Instead, respondents said they prefer to turn to traditional electronic lines of communication, such as email and website interactions, when they need specific health consultations from their own doctor. The results show that, while social media has a strong and growing role in healthcare communications among peer communities of patients, it is not the communication vehicle of choice when Americans want to discuss medical issues with their doctors. The poll, which surveyed 843 registered voters, shows that even among people 18 to 29 years of age, an age group that seems more prone to using electronic health communication, only 21% said they would take advantage of an online forum if offered.
