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Abstract
Introduction:This study explored what influences the use of social media platforms has within the continuing professional development of occupational therapy students and qualified occupational therapists within one university. It also considered perceived barriers to its use and whether age in line with generation theory, in particular digital natives vs digital immigrants impacted on willingness to utilise social media sites within CPD.
Method:A mixed method survey design was utilised to collect qualitative and quantitative data through an online questionnaire. Content analysis was used to code and identify themes. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the findings, and consider variations across the digital native/immigrant divide.
Findings:Results highlighted there was a predominantly positive attitude to social media use within CPD. Accessibility, networking, learning and development were highlighted as advantages to its use. The results suggest that the digital native/immigrant divide does not impact on willingness to use social media within CPD but does impact on perceived knowledge and skills to utilise the platforms confidently.
Conclusion:The study has highlighted a need for more structured teaching on professional social media use within the occupational therapy curriculum in both undergraduate and post graduate pre-registration programmes. It has also highlighted a need for more training among qualified occupational therapists, if platforms are to be embraced more universally.
Curriculum DevelopmentTwitter, LinkedIn and a range of blogging platforms. These enable communication over a large geographical area virtually over the Internet.