The emerging role of professional social media use in oncology

Sedrak, Mina S.; Dizon, Don S.; Anderson, Patricia F; Fisch, Michael J.; Graham, David L.; Katz, Matthew S.; Kesselheim, Jennifer C.; Miller, Robert S.; Thompson, Michael A.; Utengen, Audun; Attai, Deanna J.

doi:10.2217/fon-2017-0161

Cited by 40 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…3 In addition, Twitter is an emerging medium in which cancer information is disseminated and is one of the most widely used social media platforms for cancer communication. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Emerging evidence indicates that patients with cancer, their caregivers, and oncologists increasingly are using Twitter. [11][12][13] The study of the use of Twitter in oncology is an evolving area of research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining Public Communication About Kidney Cancer on Twitter

Sedrak

Salgia

Bergerot

et al. 2019

JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics

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PURPOSE Several studies have described the content of Twitter conversations about lung, breast, and prostate cancer, but little is known about how the public uses Twitter to discuss kidney cancer. We sought to characterize the content of conversations on Twitter about kidney cancer and the participants engaged in these dialogues. METHODS This qualitative study analyzed the content of 2,097 tweets that contained the key words kidney cancer from August 1 to 22, 2017. Tweets were categorized by content domain of conversations related to kidney cancer on Twitter and user types of participants in these dialogues. RESULTS Among the 2,097 kidney cancer–related tweets analyzed, 858 (41.4%) were authored by individuals, 865 (41.2%) by organizations, and 364 (17.4%) by media sites. The most common content discussed was support (29.3%) and treatment (26.5%). Among the 2,097 tweets, 825 were unique tweets, and 1,272 were retweets. The most common unique tweets were about clinical trials (23.9%), most often authored by media sites. The most common retweets were about treatment (38.5%), most often authored by organizations. CONCLUSION Twitter dialogues about kidney cancer are most commonly related to support and treatment. Our findings provide insights that may inform the design of new interventions that use social media as a tool to improve communication of kidney cancer information. Additional efforts are needed to improve our understanding of the value and direct utility of social media in improving kidney cancer care.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining Public Communication About Kidney Cancer on Twitter

Sedrak

Salgia

Bergerot

et al. 2019

JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics

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“…Oncologists and other cancer healthcare providers, including cancer nurses, are increasingly joining social media platforms for professional purposes, actively participating and sharing case studies and reports 12. As a result, this provides a key opportunity to allow users to connect directly to experts in the field and enrich their knowledge.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 Congress Twitter analysis: from ethics to results through the understanding of communication and interaction flows

et al. 2020

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BackgroundTwitter is a microblogging service providing a platform for social networking. For medical information, Twitter is an interesting channel for sharing and spreading information and as an engagement platform for different stakeholders. Benefits and caveats of uncontrolled medical information must be carefully pondered, considering the possible intended and unintended adverse outcomes of uncontrolled influencing. The aim of this study was to describe the non-commercial content shared on Twitter and to analyse the level of influence of commercial tweeters during the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 annual meeting held in Munich.Design/methodologyA retrospective analysis of the tweets shared in the period 19–23 October 2018 indexed with the hashtag #ESMO18 or #ESMO2018 was performed; methodology of systematic reviews was mirrored. Commercial tweeters (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, device manufacturers and spam tweeters) were excluded from the primary analysis, and only non-commercial tweets from and about the congress were included. Tweets were analysed using a network analytical tool (NodeXL).ResultsA total of 7100 tweets posted by 1334 tweeters were identified for the period of interest. Less than 10% of tweeters were identified as commercial, posting 15.7% of tweets and receiving almost one-quarter of retweets. However, pharmaceutical and biotech tweeters were substantially less likely to be mentioned by other tweeters. All of the top 10 retweeters of non-commercial content were clinicians and/or professional organisations, in stark contrast with the commercial content.ConclusionsThe use of social networks in medical meetings, including oncology, is increasing for real-time communication and informed opinion-making. The uncontrolled spread of information on Twitter can both stimulate discussions on non-official and non-canonical channels of communication and provide uncontrolled influencing of diverse stakeholders. The disclosure of financial declarations of interest on Twitter could enhance the transparency of the information, as is already happening in medical journals.

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“…By breaking out of the proverbial “echo chamber” and interacting with others who represent different backgrounds and viewpoints, Twitter can help broaden the worldview (and medical view) of each of us, freely. Many of us within COSMO started working together after meeting online through Twitter, brought together by shared interests [6]; [7]. Some of us have not yet met in person.…”

Section: Benefitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risks and benefits of Twitter use by hematologists/oncologists in the era of digital medicine

Attai

Anderson

Fisch³

et al. 2017

Seminars in Hematology

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Twitter use by physicians, including those in the hematology – oncology field, is increasing. This microblogging platform provides a means to communicate and collaborate on a global scale. For the oncology professional, an active Twitter presence provides opportunities for continuing medical education, patient engagement and education, personal branding, and reputation management. However, because Twitter is an open, public forum, potential risks such as patient privacy violations, personal information disclosures, professionalism lapses, and time management need to be considered and managed. The authors have summarized the benefits and risks of Twitter use by the hematology – oncology physician. In addition, strategies to maximize benefit and minimize risk are discussed, and resources for additional learning are provided.

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The emerging role of professional social media use in oncology

Cited by 40 publications

References 21 publications

Examining Public Communication About Kidney Cancer on Twitter

Examining Public Communication About Kidney Cancer on Twitter

European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 Congress Twitter analysis: from ethics to results through the understanding of communication and interaction flows

Risks and benefits of Twitter use by hematologists/oncologists in the era of digital medicine

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