Benefit of social media on patient engagement and satisfaction: Results of a 9-month, qualitative pilot study using Facebook.

BACKGROUND: Despite the potential benefits of social media, health care providers are often hesitant to engage patients through these sites. Our aim was to explore how implementation of social media may affect patient engagement and satisfaction. METHODS: In September 2016 a Facebook support group was created for liver transplant patients to use as a virtual community forum. Data including user demographics and group activity were reviewed. A survey was conducted evaluating users' perceptions regarding participation in the group. RESULTS: Over 9 months, 350 unique users (50% liver transplant patients, 36% caregivers/friends, 14% health care providers) contributed 339 posts, 2,338 comments, and 6,274 reactions to the group; 98% of posts were reacted to or commented on by other group members. Patients were the most active users compared with health care providers and caregivers. A total of 95% of survey respondents reported that joining the group had a positive impact on their care; and 97% reported that their main motivation for joining was to provide or receive support from other patients. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that the integration of social media into clinical practice can empower surgeons to synthesize effectively a patient support community that augments patient engagement and satisfaction.

Systemic Rasamsonia piperina infection in a German shepherd cross dog.

Introduction. Infection with the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex represents an emerging problem in human and veterinary medicine with systemic mycoses presenting with significant clinical complications and being a cause of death. Case presentation. In this report, a case of systemic Rasamsonia piperina infection discovered in a 3-year-old male neutered, German shepherd cross dog is described together with the clinical presentation, the course of the disease and diagnosis. This report describes the first case of veterinary mycosis due to R. piperina in Europe and the first case in humans or animals in the UK. Conclusion. Although seemingly rare, R. argillacea species complex infection should be a differential diagnosis for dogs, especially German shepherds with the described presenting signs, and radiographic and ultrasonographic findings.