Social Media in Hip Arthroscopy Is an Underused Resource That Enhances Physician Online Reputation

Abstract

Purpose:To analyze the impact of professional social media (SM) presence, activity level, and physician practiceespecific variables on online ratings and rating frequency for hip arthroscopists across 3 leading physician review websites (PRWs). Methods: The Arthroscopy Association of North America and American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine directories were queried to identify practicing hip arthroscopists. Physicians included were residency-trained surgeons practicing within the United States. Surgeon ratings, comments, and reviews were compiled from 3 PRWs (Google, Healthgrades, Vitals). Google searches assessed for professional Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts and demographic information. Surgeons were considered active if they posted the month before data collection. Logistical regression and a univariate model analyzed effects of demographic factors and other variables on SM use and PRW statistics. Results: In total, 555 surgeons met inclusion criteria (93.2% male, 6.8% female); 41% had a professional SM account (27.4% Facebook, 24.3% Twitter, 12.1% Instagram). Few surgeons with SM actively posted (30.5% Facebook, 43.7% Twitter, 37.3% Instagram). Surgeons with any SM had significantly greater number of ratings on all review websites (P < .001). Linear regression revealed academic physicians had lower number of ratings (P ¼ .002) and average ratings (P < .001). Instagram users had an average 12.4 more ratings. Surgeons more likely to use SM resided in greater population cities (990 vs 490 [per 1,000]) with higher surgeon density (3.3 vs 2.2). Conclusions: Most hip arthroscopists have no professional SM, and fewer frequently post content. SM presence significantly increases the number of ratings on PRWs but does not affect overall rating. Surgeons using SM practice in more populous cities with more competition. Academic surgeons had fewer ratings and lower average ratings. A professional Instagram account can increase the number of online ratings. Clinical Relevance: Understanding how SM presence affects an orthopaedic surgeon's practice may provide information on how surgeons best connect with patients.A s the world becomes more reliant on technology and data, patients are increasingly turning to the internet as their primary source of information when selecting a physician. Social media (SM) and physician review websites (PRWs) enable patients to educate themselves before making an appointment with a provider. In a 2020 survey, 71% of patients used online reviews as the first step in finding a doctor, and 43% of patients commented that they would go out of their insurance network for a doctor with more favorable reviews. The same survey reported that use of PRWs increased from 25% in 2013 to 90% in 2020. 1 Surprisingly, when choosing a doctor, patients reported that they hold user comments and ratings in greater

Internet and Social Media Contribute to Medical Research Journal Growth

“…Only one half of residency programs in orthopaedic surgery and one quarter of program directors and department chairs have a social media presence. 18 "Most hip arthroscopists have no professional social media accounts, and fewer post content frequently," 19 despite the evidence that, "A professional Instagram account can increase the number of online ratings." 19 However, Arthroscopy readers may be ahead of the curve.…”

“…18 "Most hip arthroscopists have no professional social media accounts, and fewer post content frequently," 19 despite the evidence that, "A professional Instagram account can increase the number of online ratings." 19 However, Arthroscopy readers may be ahead of the curve. LaGrant et al wrote in their article, "Fellowship Training Is a Significant Predictor of Sports Medicine Physician Social Media Presence," that "nearly two-thirds of professional team physicians have a social media presence, most commonly LinkedIn."…”

Perceived outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy

“…Prior studies have examined the use of social media platforms to understand perceptions of various orthopaedic and other surgical interventions, including, but not limited to, breast reconstruction, brain aneurysm repair, hip arthroscopy, and migraine surgery. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] To our knowledge, no prior studies have examined the use of social media to evaluate the perceived outcomes of PAO. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct the first analysis of social media posts to investigate patient-perceived outcomes related to PAO, and to identify factors associated with a negative perceived outcome.…”

Social Media and Digital Footprints in Orthopaedic Trauma: An Analysis of 1465 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Members.

“…2,6 All these factors have been positively correlated to better health care outcomes, patient online reviews, and care experiences. [7][8][9] Beyond the clinical aspect, social media can be a powerful and low-cost marketing tool. Recent studies have estimated a single Instagram account can result in a 900-fold growth in surgical practice revenue within the first few months of practice.…”