Introduction/Aims
Trainees and clinicians spend increasing amounts of time on social media, using smart phones or computers – this has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this study is to see how trainees and clinicians engage with social media and to learn which mediums are most popular. This would help the specialty, and those undertaking research in using social media, to reach out to clinicians in OMFS.
Materials and Methods
We disseminated a nine-question online survey to the UK-wide OMFS community. This was distributed through the trainee groups via social media forums and through networking with colleagues nationwide. We surveyed demographic aspects including age, gender, grade, and workplace. Questions were directed to analyse which social media platforms most used, how frequently e-learning is completed, and which websites participants use to keep up-to-date with the specialty.
Results/Statistics
Male and female respondents were equally split. 30% of respondents were consultants and the highest level of responses by age-bracket was from 35-44 year olds. The most frequently used social media platform is Facebook and 90% respondents use BAOMS website to keep up-to-date with the specialty. 90% of respondents have booked OMFS-related courses which they have seen advertised on social media.
Conclusions/Clinical Relevance
Social media is an important area of research as it is becoming ever more widely used; the scope of use of social media may not be common knowledge to lots of readers. Results of our survey demonstrate that many of the OMFS community regularly engage with social media and use it to keep with their practice.