Social Media Use Among Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeons

Abstract

Background: Digital media is an effective tool to enhance brand recognition and is currently referenced by more than 40% of orthopedic patients when selecting a physician. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of social media among foot and ankle (F&A) orthopedic surgeons, and the impact of that social media presence on scores of a physician-rated website (PRW). Methods: Randomly selected F&A orthopedic surgeons from all major geographical locations across the United States were identified using the AAOS.org website. Internet searches were then performed using the physician’s name and the respective social media platform. A comprehensive social media use index (SMI) was created for each surgeon using a scoring system based on social media platform use. The use of individual platforms and SMI was compared to the F&A surgeon’s Healthgrades scores. Descriptive statistics, unpaired Student t tests, and linear regression were used to assess the effect of social media on the PRW scores. Results: A total of 123 board-certified F&A orthopedic surgeons were included in our study demonstrating varying social media use: Facebook (48.8%), Twitter (15.4%), YouTube (23.6%), LinkedIn (47.9%), personal website (24.4%), group website (52.9%), and Instagram (0%). The mean SMI was 2.4 ± 1.6 (range 0-7). Surgeons who used a Facebook page were older, whereas those using a group website were younger ( P < .05). F&A orthopedic surgeons with a YouTube page had statistically higher Healthgrades scores compared to those without ( P < .05). Conclusion: F&A orthopedic surgeons underused social media platforms in their clinical practice. Among all the platforms studied, a YouTube page was the most impactful social media platform on Healthgrades scores for F&A orthopedic surgeons. Given these findings, we recommend that physicians closely monitor their digital identity and maintain a diverse social media presence including a YouTube page to promote their clinical practice. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Policy on the Use of Social Media in Hospitals in Building Communication During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Literature Review

“…(1) According to Bakhsh W (2014) discussed in Garofolo's (2021) research, online social platforms have reshaped communication in healthcare and contributed to the shift toward patient satisfactionbased models. (5) Using Facebook in hospitals is very important in Italy as a communication tool. Research conducted with 1352 hospitals found that almost half of the hospitals have a Facebook page and use social media every week.…”

“…The study showed that 80% of patients use the internet for health-related questions. (5) Another study in 2013 found that the first motive for patients to use health-related social media is to seek information about health, disease, or treatment of disease; Twitter is the most used platform for this information. (3) In recent years, health services have been delivered remotely through telemedicine applications, the best access to care for some people, such as those who are isolated or in rural areas.…”

Characterizing Single-star Negative Online Reviews of Orthopaedic Trauma Association Members

“…Ensuring that patients have appropriate expectations and are properly educated about the risks of surgery may represent the best way to improve patient trust while simultaneously boosting review scores. [33][34][35][36][37] This study is not without limitations. Our study only included reviews listed on Yelp.com, Healthgrades.com, and Vitals.com.…”

Professionelle Nutzung von Social Media in O&U: Chancen und Herausforderungen

“…In internationalen Studien konnte gezeigt werden, dass bis zu 88% der Ärzte und des Pflegepersonals regelmäßig soziale Medien nutzen 9 . Die Häufigkeit der dienstlichen Nutzung von sozialen Netzwerken durch Orthopäden und Unfallchirurgen wurde in Studien mit 37,0 – 65,7% beschrieben 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 . Die am häufigsten beruflich eingesetzten Plattformen sind LinkedIn und Facebook 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 18 , während Instagram eher von jüngeren Kollegen verwendet wird 10 .…”

“…Die Häufigkeit der dienstlichen Nutzung von sozialen Netzwerken durch Orthopäden und Unfallchirurgen wurde in Studien mit 37,0 – 65,7% beschrieben 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 . Die am häufigsten beruflich eingesetzten Plattformen sind LinkedIn und Facebook 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 18 , während Instagram eher von jüngeren Kollegen verwendet wird 10 . Petersen et al geben in ihrem Übersichtsartikel „Social Media in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie“ einen guten Überblick über die existierenden Plattformen und deren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten 19 .…”