Vicky Britton on Embracing Social Media and Its Role in Healthcare
Episode 30
In today’s episode of Trail Blazers, we’re diving deep into a topic that affects us all, how social media is reshaping health information and patient advocacy.
Our guest is the brilliant Vicky Britton, a pioneer in integrating social media and Google search insights into the life sciences industry. With over six years of expertise in social media intelligence, Vicky has revolutionised how organisations in pharma, tech, and finance make decisions using data. Her internationally acclaimed work includes being named a Social Intelligence Insider 50 Innovator, in 2020.
Vicky’s journey is inspiring. As a former leader at Storyful, a division of News Corp, she delivered cutting-edge social intelligence solutions to high-profile clients, driving impactful strategies in some of the world’s most competitive industries. She’s also a passionate advocate for patient-centered innovation. In 2023, she took the stage as a keynote speaker at the Digital Health Congress to share her expertise on leveraging search and social media data to revolutionise digital health.
Today, Vicky joins us to explore the challenges and opportunities of social media in healthcare. With more people turning to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for health advice, how can patients distinguish fact from fiction? We’ll unpack the dangers of misinformation, the critical role of media literacy, and the responsibility of governments, healthcare providers, and tech platforms to guide users toward credible information.
We’ll also discuss the incredible sense of community that social media offers, particularly for those navigating rare or chronic illnesses. From connecting with others in similar situations to learning how to advocate for better care, these platforms are not just creating lifelines, they also introduce complexities that require thoughtful navigation.
If you’re curious about how the digital age is transforming health and what it means for you, this is an episode that you won’t want to miss!
