Social media: raising the profile of AHPs

Abstract

Social media is reshaping healthcare and the way healthcare professionals and patients interact. In Scotland, few allied health professionals (AHPs) use these media to connect with policy makers, service users, the public, or colleagues. We aimed to establish whether social media, could be used to raise the profile of AHPs—three members of the AHP Directors Scotland Group (ADSG) and one AHP national lead. Training in the use of social media tools was supplemented by support by a subject matter expert throughout the 12-week project. Each AHP used social media in support of their own area of expertise. Over 1348 tweets and 8 blogs were posted, 753 followers attracted. Various audiences were reached; including UK and international AHPs; other healthcare professionals, professional bodies, the public, third sector and patient representative organisations. Working within an ethical framework, AHPs can use social media to promote greater awareness of their role and impact. It can also be used to forge new relationships and connect with individuals and organisations not routinely experienced.