Patterns of use of social media in cardiothoracic surgery; surgeons' prospective

Background

Social media browsing became a daily activity of most people including physicians. The use of social media in healthcare can help patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers to keep more updated. However, there are concerns about the risks of using social media for healthcare providers including high rates of false information, and the opportunity cost of using physician time. This study aims to define how cardiothoracic surgeons used social media and the effect of its use on surgical practice and patients' management progress.

Methods

The present study was a cross-sectional pilot study based on online questionnaire. The convenient sample was recruited through announcement at cardiothoracic surgeons' Facebook groups and also by email invitations for members of cardiothoracic societies.

Results

The number of respondents was 83 physicians. About the half of the sample were Egyptians (50.6%). There was a statistically significant different between Egyptian and non- Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons as regards time spent while using social media as Egyptians spent more time. Most of respondents used social media for official purposes as advertisement and patients' education. Thirty percent of surgeons thought that, the social media were sometimes relevant and helpful for their jobs and this was mainly by increasing communication with other colleagues.

Conclusions

Social media is modifying the nature of interaction between healthcare workers and patients. There is a significant need and a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to provide extra support for patients and their careers beyond the hospital walls using social media.