Social Media and the Orthopaedic Surgeon: a Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Introduction: Social media continues to grow in size, and popularity, The prevalence of social networking continues to develop and will likely play an increasing role in all aspects of society and business, including in healthcare services. This rapid growth has directly influenced healthcare professionals in the clinical setting. Aim: To assess the perceptions and usage of SM (SM) by OSs (OS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and its impact on their profession, and to evaluate their level of awareness of the potential risks on their practice. Methods: Quantitative: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to practicing OSs in 15 healthcare centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (μ=323) using convenience sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative: Eight OSs were recruited by purposive and snowball sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The Quantitative survey revealed that 165 OSs participated (RR=51%). OSs who use SM partly or entirely for professional purposes represent 53.7% (n=87). The remaining OSs were excluded. Virtually 90% were 40 years old or younger. Residents were less likely to reply to medical questions on SM (p=0.035). It was found that 74.7% of OSs use SM daily. The most commonly used platform was Twitter (75.9%), with Instagram and Snapchat being significantly more used by younger OSs (p= 0.013 and 0.003, respectively). The results of the Qualitative interviews revealed four themes: Guidelines, Ethics and Professionalism; Usage and Perceptions; Doctor-Patient Relationship; Quality of Online Content. Conclusion: OSs’ perceptions and usage were generally cautious. The major concerns were patient confidentiality, along with ethical and legal consequences. The need to contribute to quality online content was evident. Lack of formal guidelines was a continuous theme. The development of national guidelines on SM use in the orthopaedic profession is recommended.

Utility of Social Media for Recruitment by Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs

“…There are currently no guidelines for the use of social media among the orthopaedic surgery community. This leaves a large area of ambiguity in terms of who has the right to post, what posts are allowed, and who maintains ethical and legal standards 5 , 27 . Chandawarkar et al 28 discusses several categories of violations that can occur among plastic surgery residents when posting on Instagram and included ethical and legal reasonings for each category.…”

Digitally engaged physicians about the digital health transition

“…Digital health is a tool, which can improve communication in care and, if supported by social media, it can also induce more trust from the patients and make them more engaged in their own care. There are, however, numerous concerns when it comes to security, efficiency, and misinterpreting information and data [28][29][30].…”

The relationship between Facebook behaviour and e‐professionalism: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study among Greek dental students

“…This online interaction, though, might interfere with the professional doctor‐patient relationship and complicate it 29,35 . In a recent study, most orthopaedic surgeons considered inappropriate the communication of surgeons with their patients via social media about medical or social issues 36 …”