The Use of Social Media in Pediatric Urology-Forging New Paths or Crossing Boundaries?

Abstract

There has been a remarkable change in how people connect, access, and share professional and medical information over social media. This perspective article describes opportunities, potential pitfalls, and guidelines for social media use by pediatric urology providers. Pediatric urologists have effectively used social media to connect and share expertise, augment scientific conference participation, promote themselves and their research, disseminate guidelines and best practices, participate in virtual journal clubs, and engage with patients and their families. Information shared over social media is not protected by copyright law, not confidential, not regulated, permanent, and subjected to public domain and scrutiny. Despite these potential pitfalls, social media is a useful tool if best practices are observed and online communication adheres to professional guidelines and organizational policy. Social media use in healthcare is here to stay and pediatric urologists have online visibility whether or not they choose to actively participate. Despite new legal, ethical, and professional considerations that social media introduces, a well-executed social media presence provides pediatric urologists a wealth of new opportunities for networking, research, and disseminating high-quality medical information online.