The Usage of Social Media Tools in Dermatology and Dermatopathology: A New Generation Vocational Communication and Education Method

Abstract

Social media (SoMe) is an interactive communication type that uses computers (smart phone, tablet, notebook) and internet based technologies. With SoMe, ideas, videos, pictures and files can be easily shared; instant communication and cooperation can be installed with people in distant places. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube are highly efficient SoMe tools for information sharing. These sharings can be national or international level. In recent years, SoMe tools have provided quite good opportunities for communication between colleagues on behalf to increase patient-physician communication as well as vocational education and skills in medicine. Because, to reach big centers and experienced trainers for a good education is mostly difficult and labored due to time, cost and language problems. However, thanks to SoMe tools, this problem can be partially solved. Dermatology and dermatopathology are the most appropriate medical fields where these tools can be used for visual education. In this article, we wanted to share the clues by making the awareness that SoMe tools can provide positive contributions to vocational education and communication, and by emphasizing the importance of the use of SoMe tools in increasing the experience of practitioners in dermatology and dermatopathology education and practice in these fields.

Evolving role of Instagram in #medicine

“…It may be used to share difficult, interesting or rare cases by including clinical, pathological or radiological images with the clinical history. For cases that have been diagnosed, these cases act as a ‘virtual’ grand round and this has been used by major journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine . For diagnostically challenging cases, colleagues across the world can be consulted for advice …”

“…Currently, there is no standardised universal consent form for the use of clinical images; however, it is best practice to have written consent . Currently, there is little consensus regarding whether pictures of faces should be posted and whether identifiable features should be covered regardless of whether consent was attained . Unknowingly, clinical images can become ‘viral’ and can be impossible to delete if the patient retracts consent …”

“…For cases that have been diagnosed, these cases act as a 'virtual' grand round and this has been used by major journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine. 2,9 For diagnostically challenging cases, colleagues across the world can be consulted for advice. 9 Patient support groups Increasing numbers of patients are sharing their medical journey through Instagram.…”

“…2,9 For diagnostically challenging cases, colleagues across the world can be consulted for advice. 9 Patient support groups Increasing numbers of patients are sharing their medical journey through Instagram. Using hashtags, patients can share their experiences or easily find a community of patients suffering from the same condition.…”

A modern application: dermatopathology journal club with international participation via twitter

“…Oldukça uzun ve karmaşık şifre ve ilave tedbirlerle hesaplar güvene alınabilir, ahlaksız içerik ve kişilere engeller konulabilir (3,9). Patoloji, özellikle dermatopatoloji alanında kullanımları oldukça yaygın olduğundan bu konuda literatürde mevcut olan kaynaklardan faydalanılabilir (3,10,11).…”