The use of Social Media outside healthcare setting is subject to discussion. Is it safe? Are shared data protected? What about personal privacy? Are we sharing too much?  Is a protective policy preferred? Despite all these reflections social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, are gaining each day new users. Including healthcare professionals. Is this the way to go?

Social media is used by a lot of people. Merit of the users also has an opinion on the safety of the network they use and how it is supposed to be used. Due to the controversies doubts exist on whether physicians, and other HCP, should engage on social media, especially twitter. I feel like it’s a personal choice for every person, including physicians. Nevertheless some positive sides of twitter deserve the spotlights so underneath 4 reasons why MD’s should join twitter.

1. Bigger impact of education
   Education is a core component of medicine. Educating patients and lay people on disease and health enhances health outcome in society. Twitter enables physicians to react quickly to relevant topics in the news and provide education when applicable. As twitter is open to any one the reach of the education is broader than in person education or speeches at events. Moreover by the use of hashtags interested people can find back the given info when they are in the need of it. Hashtags also allow MD’s to engage in online discussions of lay people. This delivers more value to provided information.
2. Engage with other professionals, organisations and even patients
   Engaging is the key word for an effective and successful social media presence. Nevertheless if you’re diving into a newer topic or wish to share your point of view on news facts then twitter comes in handy. It allows you to connect with patients, organisations and other professionals in a field. All of them have unique and valuable perceptions, just like MDs, so engaging can raise the quality of discussions. But only if everybody participates. Also physicians.
3. Provides quick overview on what’s happening
   As said before twitter is probably your preferred go-to-medium when you wish to catch-up on what’s happening every second. You may follow people or organisations with different backgrounds which will enable you to get in 5 minutes a good understanding of what’s happening. When you’re short on time but prefer to stay in touch then this is a big pro .
4. Exchange ideas
   With a good hashtag and question you’re able to get quick insights on your topics. A tweet chat is a more organised way to enrich your mind. Everything in healthcare is quickly evolving. Staying up-to-date (or evidence) is part of the duty. Twitter may help if you train yourself in effective use of twitter.

One thing I wish to underline here is the importance of good communication skills.
Part of that is good twitter skills. The “how” of sharing info can make it good to great.

Note: This was written after a thorough discussion at the #healthxph chat february 24th and is a personal reflection