Exploring social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, amongst others to collect Real-World Evidence (RWE) is set to take the healthcare industry by storm. Being perceived as a rapid, inexpensive way of assembling vast amounts of data reporting patients’ real experiences of treatment, including drug efficacy, safety and societal impact, is attracting pharma giants to this source. However, its seemingly unedited constructs might not seem like a logical place to put one’s trust. Dr. Dee Amanze in this blog explores the pros and cons of using Social Media Data as a RWE.

In the not too distant past, healthcare was delivered and evaluated by an elite group of doctors and other professionals as the patients quietly accepted whatever the treatment options and outcomes were. Today, the industry is rapidly evolving towards a consumer base of informed, engaged and empowered patients. Social media has also become a platform where large numbers of patients can freely express themselves, uninhibited and uncensored. Whether this new trend of patients freely expressing themselves in social media has any benefits in Real World Evidence (RWE) depends on what perspectives from which one is looking at the situation. One thing is certain though – the trend is very likely to grow exponentially in the near future. 


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