Current Social Media Use Among Radiation Oncology Trainees

• Published in: Advances in radiation oncology 2021-03, Vol.6 (2), p.100642-100642, Article 100642
• Main Authors: Albert, Ashley, MD, Kahn, Jenna M., MD, Knoll, Miriam A., MD, Lirette, Seth, PhD, Yechieli, Raphael, MD, Gerber, Naamit K., MD, Jagsi, Reshma, MD, DPhil, Katz, Matthew S., MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Medicine; Scientific
• ISSN: 2452-1094; 2452-1094
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2020.100642

IntroductionResident physicians use social media (SM) for many reasons. We sought to characterize current SM use by radiation oncology (RO) trainees for education and professional development. Methods and MaterialsAn anonymous 40-question survey was sent by email to RO residents in the 2018-2019 academic year. SM platform use, time spent on SM, professional use, and opinions regarding SM use were assessed. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with perceptions of SM and with spending >25% of SM time for academic or professional purposes. ResultsOf 615 residents surveyed, 149 responded (24% response rate). Facebook (73%), theMednet (62%), Instagram (59%), Twitter (57%), and Doximity (50%) were the top SM platforms used. Most respondents (53%) reported 60 minutes/day over the past week. Residents (n=35, 24%) with a RO mentor on SM (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.29-6.08, p=0.010), those (n=71, 48%) participating in RO discussions on SM (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.42-5.72, p=0.003), and those (n=69, 46%) interacting with professional societies (OR 7.11, 95% CI 3.32-15.24, p25% of their SM time on professional/academic purposes. The vast majority of respondents agreed that SM exposed them to novel educational content (82%) and was helpful for career development (65%). 69% agreed that SM can improve clinical skills and knowledge. A substantial minority agreed that SM distracts them from studying (38%) or felt pressure to have a SM presence (29%). ConclusionMost radiation oncology residents reported that SM provides novel educational content and can help with career development. Potential disadvantages of SM for trainees may include distraction and pressure to maintain a SM presence. SM use by radiation oncology trainees merits further research to optimize its potential for education and professional development.