Social Media in Surgery

Abstract

Social media has become a permeating form of communication with billions of daily users. Twitter in particular has become a tool for the surgical community to engage with other providers, as well as patients, through active online discussions, sharing of research, and highlighting opportunities for community outreach. Twitter can help with personal branding, mentorship, and international collaboration on multiple types of academic endeavors. Likewise, institutional and residency programs can harness the power of social media to develop an online presence and aid in resident recruitment.

Surveying the Landscape of Social Media Usage for Health Care by Otolaryngology Patients

“…However, whereas both physicians and patients have developed social media niches, there may be a disconnect in usages; a recent study demonstrated 67% of parents of pediatric patients undergoing an otolaryngologic procedure wanted their physician to have a social media account related to their practice, whereas only 27% of physicians had social media accounts specifically for health care‐related purposes 2,17 . Beyond this, it has been shown that patients primarily use Twitter and Facebook to interact with other patients, whereas physicians most commonly used LinkedIn and Twitter to contact fellow professionals and for marketing purposes, suggesting somewhat discrete silos in which these groups use their social media accounts 2,18,19 . This suggests that not only does social media have a growing impact for patients, but also that there may be a desire and need for physicians to augment their presence on social media for patient interaction and content distribution 20 .…”

“…2,17 Beyond this, it has been shown that patients primarily use Twitter and Facebook to interact with other patients, whereas physicians most commonly used LinkedIn and Twitter to contact fellow professionals and for marketing purposes, suggesting somewhat discrete silos in which these groups use their social media accounts. 2,18,19 This suggests that not only does social media have a growing impact for patients, but also that there may be a desire and need for physicians to augment their presence on social media for patient interaction and content distribution. 20 However, no study to date has documented patients' usage patterns of social media both broadly and in the context of preferences specific to their health care, particularly in the field of otolaryngology.…”

The Hernia Coding Conundrum: A Potential Benefit of the International Hernia Collaboration Online Social Media Platform

“…Social media platforms have allowed for an open forum of knowledge. 7 Harrell et al reviewed the literature and established a variety of ways that social media has impacted surgery ranging from developing a brand, networking/fostering mentorship, enhancing academia, and more. 7,8 Our study reviewed the IHC page and established that this forum is an excellent outlet to share information to network and enhance academia.…”

“…7 Harrell et al reviewed the literature and established a variety of ways that social media has impacted surgery ranging from developing a brand, networking/fostering mentorship, enhancing academia, and more. 7,8 Our study reviewed the IHC page and established that this forum is an excellent outlet to share information to network and enhance academia. The site offers open discussion of surgeons seeking to offer the best care for their patients and accurately code information.…”

Advancing trauma care through social media

“…Here, physicians, scientists and others with knowledge in the field can interact on a particular subject or topic. 4 Online communities like #MedTwitter have become a virtual way for healthcare providers to collaborate with peers, keep up to date on current practices or engage the public. 5 Unfortunately, only 42% of trauma, acute, and critical care surgery societies had a social media presence in 2017.…”