Social Media for Global Neurosurgery. Benefits and limitations of a groundbreaking approach to communication and education

Letter: Neurosurgical Videos and Social Media: Publish, Post, or Perish

“…Another flaw that can arise while using social media to promote educational content is the lack of follow-up data of patients. 4,6 A study evaluated this aspect of neurosurgical content posted on social media and reported that no data were available for postoperative conditions, including hemorrhage or mortality. 6 With the joint efforts of the neurosurgical community, strong steps can be taken to create a learning landscape on social media through these neurosurgical videos.…”

“…This improves the overall quality of care available for patients. 4 The Spetzler and Almefy collection of neurosurgical videos available in the journal Operative Neurosurgery are good resources for accessing premium educational content. 2 With the video content, real-time experiences can be delivered in high quality which can be supplemented by arranging hands-on training of aspiring neurosurgeons.…”

“…First, the videos should be ethically justifiable. 4 Most of the content posted on social media does not undergo rigorous ethical approvals. These videos will consist of operational techniques on patients which will require an informed consent from the patient and an ethical approval by the hospital ethical committee.…”

“…This method of “community peer-reviewing” is effective when it comes to maintaining quality of content in the posts. 4 A plan should be formulated to create a safe space for the public to comment under the posts and clear their reservations. Another flaw that can arise while using social media to promote educational content is the lack of follow-up data of patients.…”

“…Another flaw that can arise while using social media to promote educational content is the lack of follow-up data of patients. 4,6 A study evaluated this aspect of neurosurgical content posted on social media and reported that no data were available for postoperative conditions, including hemorrhage or mortality. 6…”