A Secure, Social Media-Based "Case of the Month" Module in a Neurocritical Care Unit

Use of Facebook in a quality improvement campaign to increase adherence to guidelines in intensive care: A qualitative study of nurses' and physicians' experiences

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore intensive care unit nurses' and physicians' experiences with professional content provided through closed Facebook groups, as part of a quality improvement campaign to improve guideline adherence.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study used an exploratory qualitative design. In June 2018, data were collected through focus groups of intensive care nurses and physicians who also were members of closed Facebook groups. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, and the study was reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

SETTING

The study's setting was four intensive care units at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Professional content on Facebook comprised audit and feedback on quality indicators on intensive care topics with related pictures, videos, and weblinks.

FINDINGS

Two focus groups of 12 participants were included in this study. Two main themes were identified: 'One size does not fit all ' described that quality improvement and implementation are influenced by several factors related to current recommendations and personal preferences. Various strategies are required to serve different purposes and meet individual needs. 'Matter out of place' described conflicting experiences of being offered or exposed to professional content on Facebook.

CONCLUSION

Although the audit and feedback on quality indicators presented on Facebook motivated improvements, professional content on Facebook was perceived as inappropriate. Hospital platforms with applicable features of social media, such as reach, availability, convenience, ease, and possibility for commenting, were suggested to secure professional communication about recommended practices in intensive care units.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Social media platforms may be useful for professional communication among ICU personnel, but appropriate hospital applications with available and applicable social media features are recommended and needed. The use of several platforms may still be needed to reach all.

Virtual learning environment ('Ivy Street') for palliative medicine education: student and facilitator evaluation

AIM

The study aimed to evaluate student and facilitator perceptions regarding the novel use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) in the development and implementation of 'Ivy Street'.

SAMPLE/METHODS

Healthcare professionals enrolled on the first palliative and end-of-life care masters level module and course facilitators were invited to participate in the study. Two online surveys were developed comprising five open-ended questions to gain both student (n=16) and facilitator (n=4) perceptions of Ivy Street. Data were analysed thematically.

FINDINGS

The key theme to emerge was the 'Positive Perceptions of Ivy Street'. A second sub theme 'Critical Feedback of Ivy Street' focused on some initial technical issues. Respondents perceived the use of Ivy Street to be enjoyable, enabling and promoting peer discussion, while also having a high impact on student engagement. Respondents commented how Ivy Street removed concerns regarding confidentiality when discussing patient cases through utilisation of standardised Ivy Street characters.

CONCLUSION

The novel use of a VLE through developing characters, a story and vignettes is considered to be an effective and engaging method of learning for healthcare professionals enrolled on a palliative and end-of-life care module.