Analysis of social media use by European plastic surgery societies: A missing link for #PlasticSurgery.

Sebastian P Nischwitz,Alessandro Gualdi,Lars-Peter Kamolz,Hanna Luze,Benjamin T Lemelman,Andres A Maldonado,Albrecht Heine-Geldern,Katharina Rauch,Thomas Rappl,Luigi Lavorgna

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0258120

Abstract

PurposeThe field of Plastic Surgery is prominent on social media around the world. Board certified plastic surgeons and societies of plastic surgery play a role in providing accurate, evidence-based information to the public, patients, and colleagues. The aim of this study was to explore the use of social media by European Plastic Surgery Societies.Methods and materialsA retrospective analysis of the presence and activity of European Plastic Surgery Societies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram was conducted between December 12th 2018 and December 12th 2019. The results have been compared to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.ResultsTwenty, eleven and nine European societies yielded an active account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram respectively. Only seven European societies had an account on all three platforms and were therefore considered polypresent. The amount of followers of those seven societies was significantly higher than of the others (p-value = 0.02). Their activity yielded significantly more posts on Facebook (p-value = 0.02). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons had more followers on all three platforms than all European societies combined.ConclusionSocial media are still rather unexploited by European Plastic Surgery Societies. A tendency towards increased visibility can be observed, yet a higher penetration is required to further educate and engage through social media. The quantitative data provided serve as reasonable foundation for further studies and a guide for growth of #PlasticSurgery.

Highlights

Plastic surgeons relied on referrals, reputation and academic pedigree to attract new patients for the past decades [1, 2]
Eleven and nine European societies yielded an active account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram respectively
Surgeons within the community are calling for more structured oversight and guidance regarding social media [14]; while Cho et al formulate recommendations on the use of social media for young plastic surgeons [15], Economides et al express the need for specific social media training in certain curricula [16]

Summary

Introduction

Plastic surgeons relied on referrals, reputation and academic pedigree to attract new patients for the past decades [1, 2]. Patients considering procedures increasingly rely on accessible information provided by social media and search engines [6, 7], the popularity among plastic surgeons has increased. The widespread use of the hashtag and the tendency to consult the internet for information about plastic surgeries, calls for thorough filtering to guarantee safety for patients and education for colleagues. Plastic surgery societies (PSS) as stakeholders of their respective members are well-eligible entities to fulfil this function, support scientific appropriate information and provide education and leadership for their members. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has recognized social media as powerful tool to engage and educate [17, 22]; to our knowledge no investigation has been conducted about the use of social media by PSS in Europe

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Results

Conclusion