Chapter 21 - Leveraging Social Media for Clinician Training and Practice

Abstract

In this book chapter, we aim to emphasize the opportunities that exist for educators and practitioners to use social media tools and data for clinician education and clinical practice. We begin with an overview of social media by defining the term, provide specific examples of how social media is used in the context of healthcare, and discuss pros and cons. We then proceed to discuss the opportunities, which are divided into two main sections, the opportunities related to teaching and learning and those related to practice. The chapter ends with concluding comments challenging educators and practitioners to play a leadership role in helping students and patients learn how to use social media and understand its impact. Social media usage continues on its upward trajectory across the world and will be ubiquitous in years to come. Educators and practitioners should continue to promote use and communicate the cons while thinking innovatively about the possibilities that lie ahead.