A rheumatologist using virtual reality to examine a holographic joint projection, enhanced by social media and medical data streams.

Digital Medicine: Reshaping Rheumatology Care

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 3 min read.

"Explore how technology, from social media to virtual reality, is transforming the diagnosis, treatment, and management of rheumatic diseases."

Over the past two decades, technology has revolutionized daily life, granting instant access to powerful computing. This transformation extends to medicine, where digital tools are poised to revolutionize practice and the field of rheumatology.

While medicine has seen progress, the delivery of care still relies on traditional methods, often burdened by extensive documentation and limited patient interaction. Digital medicine emerges as a solution, using technology to upgrade medical practices for individualized, high-definition care.

This article explores technology trends in rheumatology, discussing future opportunities and challenges. Highlighting social media, virtual medicine, and other tech tools available to rheumatologists, it offers insights into improving quality care and patient outcomes.

Harnessing Social Media for Professional Growth and Education

A rheumatologist using virtual reality to examine a holographic joint projection, enhanced by social media and medical data streams.

Social media's impact on rheumatology is rapidly growing, with more professionals using platforms like Twitter for education, research, and networking. The use of smartphones and social media has grown dramatically, with almost 7 in 10 Americans actively using social media platforms.

Tools like online journals and visual abstracts are enhancing medical information sharing, providing accessible overviews of research and facilitating quick dissemination. Social media offers opportunities for rheumatology trainees and professionals to connect, learn, and advance their careers.

Education: Platforms like FOAMed (free open-access medical education) share information through blogs, videos, and podcasts.
Networking: Tools such as the Symplur Healthcare Hashtag Project connect rheumatologists on Twitter for discussions and collaborations.
Career Advancement: Social media, especially Twitter, has been recognized as essential for professionals, societies, and institutions.
Research Dissemination: Tools like Altmetric score measure the influence of online information, helping researchers promote their work through various channels.

Despite its benefits, social media use in medicine has pitfalls, including accuracy, professionalism, and privacy. However, increased scrutiny and guidelines from organizations like the American Medical Association can mitigate these issues.

The Future of Digital Integration in Rheumatology

Digital medicine's progress may have been gradual, but its adaptation is set to accelerate. Advances in biosensors, AI, telemedicine, and VR promise to reshape medical practice.

Digital medicine offers opportunities to innovate and redefine rheumatology. As these tools become more accessible, rheumatologists must determine when and how to use them effectively.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide better, safer, and more affordable care. By embracing these technologies thoughtfully, the medical community can improve patient outcomes and experiences in rheumatology.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

How is digital medicine expected to change rheumatology care?

Digital medicine is poised to transform rheumatology care by integrating technology to enhance medical practices for individualized, high-definition care. This includes the use of tools like biosensors, AI, telemedicine, and VR to improve patient outcomes and reshape medical practice. While specific examples in areas like diagnostics or personalized treatment plans are not detailed here, the expectation is that these technologies will allow for more precise and tailored approaches to managing rheumatic diseases.

What are the primary benefits of using social media for professionals in rheumatology?

Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, offer several benefits for rheumatology professionals. These include opportunities for education through platforms like FOAMed (free open-access medical education), networking via tools like the Symplur Healthcare Hashtag Project, career advancement through increased visibility, and research dissemination using metrics like Altmetric scores. While the text highlights these benefits, it also acknowledges potential pitfalls such as concerns about accuracy, professionalism, and privacy.

What are some of the potential risks involved in using social media in the field of rheumatology?

The use of social media in rheumatology introduces several potential pitfalls, including concerns about the accuracy of information shared, maintaining professionalism in online interactions, and protecting patient privacy. Guidelines from organizations like the American Medical Association are crucial in mitigating these risks and ensuring responsible social media use among medical professionals. While the text mentions these guidelines, specific details on their content or enforcement mechanisms are not provided.

What are the key technology trends that will likely shape the future of rheumatology?

Several technology trends are expected to significantly impact rheumatology in the future. These include advances in biosensors for monitoring patient health, artificial intelligence for diagnosis and treatment planning, telemedicine for remote consultations, and virtual reality for training and patient education. The integration of these technologies has the potential to enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and reshape medical practice within the field of rheumatology. However, the text does not explore specific applications or case studies.

How do Altmetric scores help researchers in rheumatology, and what do they measure?

Altmetric scores measure the influence of online information and help researchers promote their work through various channels. While the text mentions Altmetric scores, it doesn't delve into the specifics of how these scores are calculated or interpreted. Understanding Altmetric scores can help rheumatology professionals gauge the impact of their research and identify opportunities for broader dissemination and engagement. Additional resources would be needed to fully grasp the methodology and application of Altmetric scores in the context of rheumatology research.