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       #Post#: 1927--------------------------------------------------
       (Abst.) Alemtuzumab in MS: Lessons from social media in enhancin
       g patient care
       By: agate Date: December 23, 2017, 12:57 pm
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       From PubMed, December 23, 2017:
       [quote]Int J MS Care. 2017 Nov-Dec;19(6):323-328.
       Alemtuzumab in Multiple Sclerosis: Lessons from Social Media in
       Enhancing Patient Care
       Rath L, Vijiaratnam N, Skibina O.
       BACKGROUND:
       Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that has been approved for
       the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
       Alemtuzumab is associated with infusion reactions and potential
       autoimmune complications. Patient education and understanding
       are crucial to favorable outcomes. Our objective was to observe
       communication on a peer-to-peer Facebook group for content,
       accuracy of posts, and number of "likes" per post and to compare
       shared themes to current approved prescribing information and
       educational modules.
       METHODS:
       We identified a Facebook group specific to alemtuzumab in MS. A
       14-day window was observed. Posts were classified as "sharing"
       or "seeking information." Content analysis was used for
       information-seeking posts. Accuracy of replies was compared with
       product prescribing information.
       RESULTS:
       We reviewed 458 posts. Members contemplating receiving or
       currently receiving alemtuzumab primarily used Facebook for
       information gathering (54.6%), followed by seeking emotional
       support and sharing personal experiences (45.4%). Most shared
       experiences (83.6%) were positive. Themes for information were
       predominantly consistent with standard protocols. Complications
       discussed included infection (15.50%), bone pain (11.80%),
       immune thrombocytopenia (8.07%), and fatigue (7.46%). Accuracy
       of replies was consistent with product information except for
       immune thrombocytopenia.
       CONCLUSIONS:
       Some patients with MS look to online groups for discussion, peer
       support, and information. Although written guidelines on the
       studied home page reinforce that online discussion "does not
       replace medical advice," inaccurate information does occur.
       Health-care providers' reviews of these online sites allow
       insight into the real-world experiences of patients receiving
       alemtuzumab, with potential for modification of educational
       approaches by health-care professionals.[/quote]
  HTML https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29270090
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