User-generated social media content in knowledge dissemination

Abstract

The policy forum on implementation strategies for trials emphasizes the need for knowledge translation strategies. 1 Reidlinger D.M. Johnson D.W. Craig J.C. et al. Implementation strategies for high impact nephrology trials: the end of the trial is just the beginning. Kidney Int. 2022; 102: 1222-1227 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (2) Google Scholar The authors describe the roles of medical societies, industry, health regulators, and health research funders, and reference “social media release” as a strategy in Table 2. However, this hierarchical and unidirectional knowledge dissemination paradigm is incomplete in the current era of the widespread use of social media. Free open access medical education is a growing part of trainees’ and mature practitioners' educational diet. 2 Colbert G.B. Topf J. Jhaveri K.D. et al. The social media revolution in nephrology education. Kidney Int Rep. 2018; 3: 519-529 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (55) Google Scholar ,3 Topf J.M. Hiremath S. Social media, medicine and the modern journal club. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2015; 27: 147-154 Crossref PubMed Scopus (39) Google Scholar Unlike traditional forms of knowledge dissemination, social media allows user-generated content in many more diverse forms, and on platforms that may enhance engagement from physicians outside academic walls, nonphysician providers, and even patients and other interested individuals. 4 Stoneman S. Hiremath S. Twitter-based journal clubs: bringing critical appraisal to the social table. Semin Nephrol. 2020; 40: 264-272 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar They foster active conversations and discussions, unlike passive receipt of information, which may lead to more constructive change in practice. We describe some of these platforms and strategies in Figure 1 (and Supplementary Table S1). As an example, the creation of the term “flozin” for describing sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors, similar to statins, represents a social media–driven initiative to make discussion of the drugs user friendly and energetic. Indeed, flozins represent the greatest advance in the nephrology field in the last 2 decades, and implementation science should be focused on rapidly advancing flozin use in all indicated populations. It is also important to counter possible misinformation on social media with active participation by all nephrology stakeholders. Hence, we hope social media and free open access medical education get incorporated in future models of knowledge translation strategies. Implementation strategies for high impact nephrology trials: the end of the trial is just the beginningKidney InternationalVol. 102Issue 6PreviewThere remains wide variation in treatment patterns and outcomes for kidney patients, and nephrology continues to lag behind other medical specialties in the number and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).1 As currently conducted, RCTs require substantial investment in time and resources with enormous effort poured into trial design, funding, partnerships, data acquisition, analysis, and publications. Less attention is paid to activities to maximize practice and policy impact, and evaluation of evidence uptake commonly occurs only through the narrow lens of output metrics in peer-reviewed literature. Full-Text PDF Open AccessThe authors reply:Kidney InternationalVol. 102Issue 6PreviewWe thank Bajpai et al. for their interest in our Policy Forum describing implementation strategies for kidney trials.1 Their letter2 suggests our hierarchical framing of social media as a knowledge dissemination strategy for medical research (Figure 3: practical actions to enhance trial implementability) fails to recognize that widespread use of social media has created a rich medium of user-generated content that facilitates bilateral conversations across many platforms. The authors are particularly keen for free open access medical education, a rapidly expanding social media–based medical education platform, to be incorporated into future models of strategic knowledge dissemination. Full-Text PDF