The attitudes of plastic, reconstructive, and esthetic surgery residents toward social media usage

Abstract

Aims: Plastic, reconstructive, and esthetic surgeons and practitioners associated with medical tourism actively use social media platforms to disseminate or receive information on medical technologies and developments, professional news, and academic productions, as well as to advertise, promote, or even educate the public about their professions. The present study analyzes the perspectives of plastic, reconstructive, and esthetic surgery residents on social media use in this context. Subjects and Methods: A survey consisting of 14 multiple-choice questions was administered to plastic surgery residents who were continuing their specialty training. Statistical Analysis: Research data were evaluated using SPSS 20.0. Normality assumptions were checked for the variables, and cross tables and Chi-square statistics were used to evaluate the differences between groups. P = 0.05 or less was considered significant in all tests. Results: This study found that most plastic surgery residents did not have professional social media accounts, possibly owing to a hesitation to open a professional social media account during residency training. Consistent with the literature, most plastic surgery residents thought that social media use was a professional necessity that requires further training. Plastic surgeons must learn to use social media tools for patient education, advertising, and defense from inaccuracy. Formulating legal regulations in accordance with residents' attitudes has become a necessity in the changing world. Conclusions: Plastic surgeons lag behind in the ever-increasing competition for attention, and they must find a way of using social media tools for patient education, advertising, and defense from inaccuracy.