Abstract
BackgroundFor younger generations, unconstrained online social activity is the norm. Little data are available about perceptions among young medical practitioners who enter the professional clinical arena, while the impact of existing social media policy on these perceptions is unclear.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the existing perceptions about social media and professionalism among new physicians entering in professional clinical practice; and to determine the effects of formal social media instruction and policy on young professionals’ ability to navigate case-based scenarios about online behavior in the context of professional medicine.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study involving the new resident physicians at a large academic medical center. Medical residents from 9 specialties were invited to participate and answer an anonymous questionnaire about social media in clinical medicine. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC), chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used as appropriate, and the correct responses were compared between different groups using the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance.ResultsFamiliarity with current institutional policy was associated with an average of 2.2 more correct responses (P=.01). Instruction on social media use during medical school was related to correct responses for 2 additional questions (P=.03). On dividing the groups into no policy exposure, single policy exposure, or both exposures, the mean differences were found to be statistically significant (3.5, 7.5, and 9.4, respectively) (P=.03).ConclusionsIn this study, a number of young physicians demonstrated a casual approach to social media activity in the context of professional medical practice. Several areas of potential educational opportunity and focus were identified: (1) online privacy, (2) maintaining digital professionalism, (3) safeguarding the protected health information of patients, and (4) the impact of existing social media policies. Prior social media instruction and/or familiarity with a social media policy are associated with an improved performance on case-based questions regarding online professionalism. This suggests a correlation between an instruction about online professionalism and more cautious online behavior.Improving the content and delivery of social media policy may assist in preserving institutional priorities, protecting patient information, and safeguarding young professionals from online misadventure.
Highlights
The use of social media by members of professional groups has grown substantially in the past decade
In this study, a number of young physicians demonstrated a casual approach to social media activity in the context of professional medical practice
Prior social media instruction and/or familiarity with a social media policy are associated with an improved performance on case-based questions regarding online professionalism
Summary
The use of social media by members of professional groups has grown substantially in the past decade. Online activities offer potential benefits to providers, patients, and the profession [1]; and present unique challenges for users and their employers. For younger generations, unconstrained online social activity is the norm, but as these tech-savvy users transition into professional life, their attitude toward online security and professionalism may not match that of their employers or their professions. Little data are available about the perceptions and social media practices among the young medical practitioners entering the professional clinical arena. The impact of the existing social media policy on the attitude of these professionals is unclear. Little data are available about perceptions among young medical practitioners who enter the professional clinical arena, while the impact of existing social media policy on these perceptions is unclear
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