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Van Ravenswaay L, Parnes A, Nisly SA. Clicks for credit: an analysis of healthcare professionals' social media use and potential for continuing professional development activities. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2024; 29:2316489. [PMID: 38359156 PMCID: PMC10877644 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2316489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined social media habits and utilization patterns among various groups of healthcare professionals. However, very few studies have evaluated the use of social media to support continuing professional development activities. The goal of the 2023 Clinical Education Alliance social media survey was to explore how HCPs interact professionally with social media, describe utilization trends, and identify barriers to using social media to disseminate CPD content. METHODS We conducted an online anonymous, voluntary survey of healthcare professionals contained in the Clinical Education Alliance learner database from January to March 2023. The survey was distributed via email and all learners were invited to participate regardless of profession or specialty. This survey consisted of 16 questions and collected demographic information and social media utilization and habits of healthcare professionals. RESULTS Of the 2,615 healthcare professionals who completed the survey, 71.2% use social media. Most respondents were physicians (50.6%) practicing in an urban setting (59.6%) and have been practicing for more than 15 years (70.5%). The most widely used platform was Facebook (70.7%), but there were no significant differences among the different professions. Of the respondents who use social media, 44.5% used social media to access continuing professional development-certified activities. Surveyed learners preferred passive participation with social media content. Participant-reported concerns include issues with legitimacy of the information, privacy, time constraints, and institutional barriers. DISCUSSION As the continuing professional development community continues to evolve and seek new innovative strategies to reach healthcare professionals, the findings of this survey highlight the need to identify and enact social media-based strategies aimed to engage healthcare professionals and provide them with unbiased evidence-based education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Van Ravenswaay
- Healthcare Education and Outcomes Postdoctoral Fellow, Clinical Education Alliance, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Alex Parnes
- Marketing and Engagement, Clinical Education Alliance, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Sarah A. Nisly
- Outcomes and Clinical Impact, Clinical Education Alliance, Reston, VA, USA
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Jahagirdar V, Sequeira LA, Kinattingal N, Roohi TF, Alshehri S, Shakeel F, Mehdi S. Assessment of the impact of social media addiction on psychosocial behaviour like depression, stress, and anxiety in working professionals. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:352. [PMID: 38879545 PMCID: PMC11179207 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social media (SM), with its addictive nature and the accompanying psychosocial challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression, is the primary factor exacerbating mental health problems and adversely impacting individuals' wellbeing. Our study's goal was to determine how SM affects employees' psychosocial behaviours and assess the various factors that contributed to the employee's excessive use of SM. METHODS A cross-sectional correlational analysis was conducted. Using a relevant questionnaire on employees, the study was assessed to establish the relationship or association between SM addiction and psychosocial disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress. 200 people with a minimum age of 24 were enrolled in the study. The questionnaire contained the social networking addiction scale (SNAS) and the depression, anxiety, and stress-21 (DASS-21) scales; the data were statistically assessed. RESULTS The association between SM addiction and psychosocial behaviours has been examined using statistical tools including descriptive statistics and the Chi-square analysis. SM addiction has a strong, statistically significant correlation with depression (p = 0.001), stress (p = 0.001), and anxiety (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION This study discovered a connection between SM use and depression, stress, and anxiety among working employees, raising questions regarding worries about overuse and addiction to SM. Various factors influencing excessive usage included revealed that employees also majorly over used SM for entertainment, boredom avoidance, constant knowledge sharing, and relationship-building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Jahagirdar
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India
| | - Lenisha Ashlyn Sequeira
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India
| | - Nabeel Kinattingal
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India
| | - Tamsheel Fatima Roohi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faiyaz Shakeel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seema Mehdi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
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Rafiee M, Khandan M. An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Distance Learning on Nutrition Quality of Hemodialysis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. J Caring Sci 2024; 13:36-43. [PMID: 38659437 PMCID: PMC11036171 DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2024.33055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has limited hemodialysis patient's attendance in healthcare centers and receiving diet education. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of distance learning on the nutrition quality of hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In the single-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis were randomly divided into control (n=30) and experimental (n=30) groups. Before and after the intervention, Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS), Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) (primary outcome), albumin, the total iron-binding capacity of the blood (TIBC), and body mass index (BMI) (Secondary outcome) were investigated. The experimental group received educational content through social networks for three months, whereas the control group received routine care and training. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean of DMS, MIS, albumin, and TIBC before the intervention. Pre-test BMI had a confounding effect; therefore, an analysis of covariance was performed to eliminate that effect. This analysis showed significant differences in the post-test mean DMS, MIS, TIBC, and BMI between the two groups. In the control group, significant differences were observed in MIS and BMI toward deterioration. The results also indicated a significant relationship between education level and age with TIBC and between marital status and albumin index. Conclusion Distance learning can be considered by healthcare managers and police makers as a suitable alternative to the classic face-to-face learning method to enhance hemodialysis patients' nutrition quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Rafiee
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Khandan
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
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Zhu D, Dhariwal M, Zhang J, Smith A, Martin P. Patient Perception and Self-Reported Outcomes with Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses (PCIOLs): A Social Media Listening Study. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:287-303. [PMID: 37948016 PMCID: PMC10776511 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation is a popular treatment option for cataract surgery patients who desire spectacle independence. This study aimed to understand patient perception and outcomes with PCIOLs by analyzing patient social media posts. METHODS This was a non-interventional retrospective study that used predefined search strings to identify publicly available social media data discussing patient perceptions and outcomes with seven PCIOLs (three trifocal, one multifocal with continuous range of vision, and three extended depth-of-focus [EDOF] PCIOLs). Relevant posts were searched from Reddit, YouTube, and Facebook and patient forums Patient.info, Medicine.net, Optiker-Forum, and Medizin Forum from September 2020 to October 2022 in four languages (English, German, French, and Spanish). RESULTS A total of 2237 posts were included, all in English, with 68% of posts identified on Patient.info. The themes most discussed by patients were quality of vision (69% of total posts), patient experience after PCIOL implantation (30%), patient perception before PCIOL implantation (26%), and visual disturbances (24%). Most discussed PCIOLs were Vivity® (58% of total posts), PanOptix® (38%), Synergy® (26%), and Symfony® (13%). Patient perception of PCIOLs was most frequently influenced by healthcare professionals, online reading, and online videos (31%, 18%, and 15% of posts, respectively). A total of 215 posts (10% of total) discussed glasses use after PCIOL surgery: for EDOF and trifocal/multifocal PCIOLs, 37% and 56% of posts discussing glasses use stated being glasses free, respectively. A total of 537 posts discussed visual disturbances: halos/rings (66%) and starbursts (36%) were the most discussed visual disturbances for all lens types. Being glasses free after PCIOL implantation appeared to be a key driver of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION Social media provides a rich source of information on patient perception, experience, and overall satisfaction of PCIOLs that can be used to complement and guide the collection of further evidence generated through controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagny Zhu
- NVISION Eye Centers - Rowland Heights, 17980 Castleton St, Rowland Heights, CA, 91748, USA.
| | | | - Jun Zhang
- Alcon Vision LLC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Dam VAT, Dao NG, Nguyen DC, Vu TMT, Boyer L, Auquier P, Fond G, Ho RCM, Ho CSH, Zhang MWB. Quality of life and mental health of adolescents: Relationships with social media addiction, Fear of Missing out, and stress associated with neglect and negative reactions by online peers. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286766. [PMID: 37285351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Social networking is proliferating globally and in Vietnam, but this led to several negative aspects of adolescents' health, including physical activity, sleep quality, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to identify the relationship between social media usage and examine risk factors (Fear of Missing out and Risk of Neglect) on social media usage, and the overall quality of life and mental health among individuals actively using social media networks. An online cross-sectional study was conducted in three cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Tuyen Quang, and Can Tho) from September through to October 2021. A structured questionnaire assessed for characteristics of social media use and other associated factors. 1891 participants were recruited, with 98.4% having access to social media. s. Factors like "PHQ-9 score", "Problematic Internet use", and "Time average used social media per day", were negatively associated with the EQ5D5L Index. By contrast, "Gender", and "Using smartphone" were positive factors of the EQ5D5L Index. "FOMO score" and "self-harm and suicide" were positive factors of the PHQ-9 score while "Using smartphone" was negative. In terms of self-harm and suicide, "FOMO score" and "Problematic Internet use" were positive factors, by contrast, "Using smartphone" was a negative factor. This is the first study to examine social media addiction among Vietnamese adolescents, its relationship with FOMO score, stresses associated with rejection and neglect, and the overall quality of life. Our results highlighted there is a relationship between FOMO score and impaired overall quality of life, increased depressive symptoms, and an association between stresses relating to negative rejection and FOMO score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Anh Trong Dam
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Nam Gia Dao
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Duy Cao Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | | | - Laurent Boyer
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Fond
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melvyn W B Zhang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Kasthuri V, Homer A, Alsoof D, Hong J, McDonald CL, Diebo BG, Daniels AH. Modern internet search analytics and spine: what are patients asking and reading online? NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 14:100214. [PMID: 37214263 PMCID: PMC10192655 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Google's People Also Ask feature uses various machine learning algorithms to distill the most frequently asked questions and link users to potential answers. The aim of this study is to investigate the most frequently asked questions related to commonly performed spine surgeries. Methods This is an observational study utilizing Google's People Also Ask feature. A variety of search terms were entered into Google for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), discectomy, and lumbar fusion. Frequently asked questions and linked websites were extracted. Questions were categorized by topic based on Rothwell's Classification system, and websites were categorized by type. Pearson's chi-squared and Student t tests were performed as appropriate. Results A total of 576 unique questions (181 ACDF, 148 discectomy, 309 lumbar fusion) were extracted with 372 unique websites and 177 domains. The most common website types were medical practice (41%), social media (22%), and academic (15%). The most popular question topics were specific activities & restrictions (22%), technical details (23%), and evaluation of surgery (17%). Questions related to technical details were more common in discectomy vs lumbar fusion (33% vs 24%, p=.03) and lumbar fusion vs ACDF (24% vs 14%, p=.01). Questions related to specific activities & restrictions were more common in ACDF vs discectomy (17% vs 8%, p=.02) and ACDF vs lumbar fusion (28% vs 19%, p=.016). Questions related to risks & complications were more common in ACDF vs lumbar fusion (10% vs 4%, p=.01). Conclusions The most frequently asked questions on Google regarding spine surgery are related to technical details and activity restrictions. Surgeons may emphasize these domains in consultations and direct patients to reputable sources of further information. Much of the linked information provided originates from nonacademic and nongovernment sources (72%), with 22% from social media websites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viknesh Kasthuri
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - Alexander Homer
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - Daniel Alsoof
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - James Hong
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - Christopher L McDonald
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - Bassel G Diebo
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
| | - Alan H Daniels
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914, United States
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Kukafka R, Phang JK, Woon TH, Liew JW, Dubreuil M, Proft F, Ramiro S, Molto A, Navarro-Compán V, de Hooge M, Meghnathi B, Ziade N, Zhao SS, Llop M, Baraliakos X, Fong W. Social Media Use Among Members of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society: Results of a Web-Based Survey. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e39155. [PMID: 36626201 PMCID: PMC9875001 DOI: 10.2196/39155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of social media in health care may serve as a beneficial tool for education, information dissemination, telemedicine, research, networking, and communications. To better leverage the benefits of social media, it is imperative to understand the patterns of its use and potential barriers to its implementation in health care. A previous study in 2016 that investigated social media use among young clinical rheumatologists (≤45 years) and basic scientists showed that there was substantial social media use among them for social and professional reasons. However, there is a limited inquiry into social media use in different areas of rheumatology, such as spondyloarthritis. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the motivations, barriers, and patterns of social media use among an international group of experts in spondyloarthritis. METHODS We distributed a web-based survey via email from March 2021 to June 2021 to 198 members of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society. It contained 24 questions about demographic characteristics, patterns of current social media use, and perceptions of utility. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the characteristics associated with use trends. RESULTS The response rate was 78.8% (156/198). Of these, 93.6% (146/156) of participants used at least one social media platform. Apart from internet-based shopping and entertainment, the use of social media for clinical updates (odds ratio [OR] 6.25, 95% CI 2.43-16.03) and research updates (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.35-8.78) were associated with higher social media consumption. Among the respondents, 66% (103/156) used social media in a work-related manner. The use of social media for new web-based resources (OR 6.55, 95% CI 2.01-21.37), interaction with international colleagues (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.21-17.90), and establishing a web-based presence (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.25-13.13) were associated with higher levels of consumption for work-related purposes. Time investment, confidentiality concerns, and security concerns were the top 3 challenges to a wider adoption of social media. CONCLUSIONS Most respondents (103/156, 66%) use social media in a work-related manner. Professional development, establishing a web-based presence, and international collaboration were associated with higher use. Challenges to social media adoption should be addressed to maximize its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Kie Phang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ting Hui Woon
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jean W Liew
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maureen Dubreuil
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fabian Proft
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna Molto
- Rheumatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Bhowmik Meghnathi
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Marengo Care Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Nelly Ziade
- Department of Rheumatology, Saint-Joseph University, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sizheng Steven Zhao
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Llop
- Rheumatology, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Sabadell, Spain
| | | | - Warren Fong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Biruete A, Kistler BM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Moore LW. Kidney Nutrition in the Era of Social Media: Bridging the Gap of Nutrition Education and Kidney Health Literacy by Leveraging Resources of Social Networking. J Ren Nutr 2022; 32:629-632. [PMID: 36113811 PMCID: PMC10411502 DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Biruete
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Division of Nephrology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
| | - Brandon M Kistler
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA
| | - Linda W Moore
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
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Erdogan M, Aydin O, Seyahi E. Patients with rheumatic diseases are ready to use social media in clinical practice; what about rheumatologists? A cross-sectional survey. Rheumatol Int 2021; 42:717-723. [PMID: 34767066 PMCID: PMC8588935 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-05047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Social media can be an innovative communication method between patients and physicians that help to overcome time limitation in outpatient clinics. In this study, we investigated how patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and physicians use and are willing to use social media platforms to communicate with each other. We used a face-to-face survey that provides information on current social media habits and communication methods of rheumatology patients and physicians. We studied 399 (135 M/262 F) patients with RD with a median age of 45 (IQR: 34) years. We also studied 55 (30 M/25F) rheumatologists with a median age of 37 (IQR:34–44) years. Among patients with RD, 288 (72%) used at least one social media site within the previous month. Facebook was the most preferred social media platform, whereas Twitter and Instagram were favored by males and higher educated patients. While 17% of the patients with RD could communicate with their physicians outside of the hospital, 94% expressed that they would like to. Most patients (74%) defined social media as a reliable source for health-related information, yet 90% declared that they would like to obtain information about their disease using face-to-face communication. Forty-two (83%) rheumatologists were using social media and reported that they already communicate or would like to communicate with their patients outside of the hospital. Internet-based mobile applications and social media platforms are promising communication and educational tools for rheumatology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Erdogan
- Department of Rheumatology, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - O Aydin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Seyahi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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