Abstract
Online “Surgery Buddies” at Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery
The Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery uses Facebook as its primary social media tool. We have more than 1,000 “likes” on our Facebook page, and utilize the forum to get real-time information out to our patients and potential patients. We post key information on our Facebook page, including information session reminders, support group reminders, event reminders, annual support group schedules, surgeon presentations, surgeon interviews, articles, and messages from our multidisciplinary members. In addition, patients post their immediate postoperative experiences and long-term weight-loss successes. Patients also reach out to each other to find “surgery buddies” in their local areas. We envision the Facebook page as a place for people to connect and support each other through their weight-loss journey, and as a place where we can share information and answer questions. The page is monitored regularly.
We have a robust Web site, and run Web campaigns to encourage potential patients to schedule in-person information sessions. For patients who live a distance from the Medical Center, we offer an online information session option and the ability to comply with follow-up items via an online form submission.
Shannon R. Weaver, MBA, RN-BC
Bariatric Program Director
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery
A Building, 3rd Floor
4940 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
E-mail:
Web: www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariatrics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnsHopkinsBariatrics
Easy Access to Information: Social Networking Allows Bariatric Patients to Learn at Own Pace
I began working with the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Danbury Hospital, CT, 11 years ago as a registered dietician, and have since advanced to the role of Program Coordinator. In that time, I have seen the Center launch and expand its online presence through social networking tools. Our Web site currently features videos of patients detailing their experiences with bariatric surgery and telling their individual stories. These videos are helpful for prospective patients researching bariatric surgery—often these patients have limited mobility, and online tools are an effective outlet for them to learn more about the procedure.
We also have a great Facebook page, and currently have more than one hundred “likes.” As a not-for-profit institution, we monitor the page and do not allow any information on specific products, such as vitamins or supplements. Our page is for the benefit of our patients to find information on our meet-and-greet sessions—our version of a personalized information session—support groups, network with one another, post pictures, and also find links to the hospital Web site.
In terms of social media, our plans include banner ads on Facebook, as well as YouTube videos of interviews with the surgeons and clinical staff.
In all, the Facebook page, our Web site, and videos are excellent ways for patients to maintain their privacy and gather information at their own pace.
Mary Lou Viola, RD, CD-N
Program Coordinator
The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Danbury Hospital
111 Osborne Street
Danbury, CT 06810
E-mail:
Web: www.danburyhospital.org/Our-Services/Center-for-Weight-Loss-Surgery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bariatrics
A Team Approach to Social Media
The Medical University of South Carolina Bariatric Surgery Program in Charleston, SC, depends on an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, PAs, RDs, RNs, administrators, and support staff to meet the changing needs of our patient population. Our program has tackled poor long-term follow-up by developing unique methods of engaging patients.
Our podcast series addresses concerns following bariatric surgery through technology; patients subscribe with surgery date, type of surgery, and e-mail address. At critical postoperative periods (1 week; 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months; and then annually), an e-mail is sent with a link to a podcast by one of the members of our team addressing concerns critical at that time point (plus a handout and transcript; for more visit: www.muschealth.com/weightlosssurgery/resources/podcast.htm)
Our Facebook page has more than 250 “likes,” and connects patients with the program and each other. The success of our page is due to involving the whole team; each week, responsibility for posting and monitoring the page rotates between support staff, dietitians, and medical staff. Everyone puts their own spin on the hot topics we post, including: recipes; new product ideas; meal planning tips; how-to videos; cooking demos; bariatric Web sites and blogs; news stories about weight loss, surgery, or obesity; connections with other organizations; monthly newsletters; local wellness events; and patient success stories and videos. We utilize the events tab to announce support groups, pre- and postop nutrition classes, open houses, and special events like grocery tours and bariatric bootcamp.
We are using current technology and social media to extend our capabilities in providing support to postoperative bariatric patients all over South Carolina.
Nina Crowley, MS, RD, LD
MUSC Bariatric Surgery Team Dietitian
Bariatric Surgery Program
Medical University of South Carolina
25 Courtenay Drive, Suite 7100A
MSC 290
Charleston, SC 29425-2900
E-mail:
Web: www.muschealth.com/weightlosssurgery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MUSCWeightLossSurgery
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: “As Heard in Clinic”
In our surgical weight-loss program for teenagers, we maintain a program Facebook page as an additional method to engage our adolescent patients. We have printed business cards with the Facebook address, and ask adolescent patients and their families to “like” the page. Each day, we post information related to weight loss, exercise, goal setting, recipes, support group notification, and translation of current research. The most popular posts are those we have titled “As Heard in Clinic.” These are helpful hints from both preoperative and postoperative patients. These posts include a de-identified description of the teenager and his/her advice for others. Patients have started to come to clinic prepared with a helpful hint.
In addition, the teen leaders in our support group maintain a private group on Facebook for both pre- and postsurgery patients. A private group is one in which only members see the group, who is in it, and what members post. Teen leaders are the private group site's administrators, and they control admission and content. In order to engage patients, the teen leaders post weekly questions and have seen a great response rate. Questions range from “How did you decide which surgery to have?” to “What complications did you have after surgery?” Patients also write in to ask for advice; for example, ideas for better-tasting protein bars, help with relationships or body image issues, or general support. The teenagers find this to be a nonthreatening source of peer-to-peer education and support. Since this online group has been initiated, support group attendance has increased.
Linda M. Kollar RN, CNP
Payal Sawhney, MSW, LISW-S
Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
3333 Burnet Avenue ML 2023
Cincinnati, OH 45229
E-mail:
Web: www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/s/weight-loss/default/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Surgical-Weight-Loss-Program-for-Teens-at-Cincinnati-Childrens-Hospital/
Social Media Tools to Incorporate Patients' Views
The University of Pennsylvania Health System's Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program uses multiple social media outlets to retain patient engagement and promote our program. Via our program's Web site, individuals can subscribe to our blog. There, patients receive tips for healthy living and weight loss, learn more about weight-loss surgery, and stay up-to-date on program news and events. Our blog is also linked to our program's Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts. Facebook and Twitter are updated daily with various topics related to weight loss, bariatric surgery, nutrition, recipes, and exercise. Video content of our program's surgeons discussing various weight-loss surgery topics is also routinely posted on our social media sites.
Our social media initiatives also include online registration for our live information sessions, an avenue to promote research opportunities to patients, and as a means to promote job opportunities within our program. All social media content is created in collaboration with our bariatric and marketing teams along with our patients. We greatly value our patients' involvement with our social media efforts and continually reach out to them for content. Our patients' content provides a different voice, as opposed to our program's clinical perspective, which incites patient interaction on our various social media sites.
Jim Henry, MBA, RD, LDN
Bariatric Program Coordinator
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
E-mail:
Web: www.pennmedicine.org/bariatric-weight-loss-surgery/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennMedicineWeightLoss
Meeting Them Where They Are: The Use of Online Support Groups in Improving Outcomes for Adolescent Bariatric Patients Living in Rural Areas
Although there is evidence among cancer populations that online support groups are effective in disseminating psychoeducational information and providing support, 1 there is a dearth of research on the effectiveness of such groups for obese adolescents. The Health4Life Program is an interdisciplinary obesity clinic that offers bariatric surgery for morbidly obese adolescents. Patients often travel from distant parts of the state to attend monthly appointments. Despite patient interest in support groups, distance and school schedules make face-to-face meetings challenging.
An online support group was developed after multiple patients expressed an interest in virtual meetings where they could speak with other teens undergoing bariatric surgery. Several patients suggested the development of a “buddy” program by which patients could partner with another patient in the program. Parents expressed hope that a support group would increase their child's social support network.
A consultation with legal services was completed to review privacy issues. Beginning in February, virtual meetings, led by a team member, are held monthly in the late afternoon/evening hours to accommodate school schedules. Beyond Internet access, no other technology or equipment is needed, making the group accessible to almost all patients. This format also allows patients to contact one another via e-mail if they elect to do so.
Sheethal D. Reddy, PhD*
Tamara Tanner, RN, BSN, CPN
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
5455 Meridian Mark Road
Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30342
E-mail:
Web: www.choa.org/Child-Wellness/Strong4Life-Programs/Help-for-Families/Health4Life
Bariatric Center at Columbus Regional Health Patients “Like” Facebook
After surgery, patients are encouraged to participate in many programs close to home offered by the Bariatric Center, including monthly support groups, the Barrie Buddies Program, the Patient Advisory Council, and Revitalize You, a group therapy program to help patients focus on healthy behaviors. Patients are encouraged to attend special annual events like the Bari-ed Treasure Fashion Show, the Bari-ed Treasure Closet Cleaning Sale, and the Annual Bariatric Patient Family Fun Run/Walk.
Because of privacy issues and the need to conform to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws, the Bariatric Center team was thoughtful in developing a social media strategy to integrate into our program. After consideration, the team chose to utilize Facebook as the medium for our entry into social media. Facebook messages support and reinforce the Bariatric Center brand. Facebook also gives patients a chance to interact with each other and the Bariatric Center staff on a nonmedical basis in an informal setting. The practice has also implemented a secure patient portal, which allows patients to view their medical records in a secure format.
With increasing use of digital and social media, the demand for greater integration is evident.
Kelli Pitman, RN, CBN
Bariatric Program Coordinator
The Bariatric Center at Columbus Regional Health
2325 18th Street, Suite 230
Columbus, IN 47201
Web: www.columbusbariatrics.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBariatricCenterAtColumbusRegionalHealth
Footnotes
*
Dr. Reddy is also an instructor at Emory University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.