The use of social-networking sites in medical education

Med Teach. 2013 Oct;35(10):847-57. doi: 10.3109/0142159X.2013.804909. Epub 2013 Jul 10.

Abstract

Background: A social-network site is a dedicated website or application which enables users to communicate with each other and share information, comments, messages, videos and images.

Aims: This review aimed to ascertain if "social-networking sites have been used successfully in medical education to deliver educational material", and whether "healthcare professionals, and students, are engaging with social-networking sites for educational purposes".

Method: A systematic-review was undertaken using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Eight databases were searched with pre-defined search terms, limits and inclusion criteria. Data was extracted into a piloted data-table prior to the narrative-synthesis of the Quality, Utility, Extent, Strength, Target and Setting of the evidence.

Results: 1047 articles were identified. Nine articles were reviewed with the majority assessing learner satisfaction. Higher outcome measures were rarely investigated. Educators used Facebook, Twitter, and a custom-made website, MedicineAfrica to achieve their objectives.

Conclusions: Social-networking sites have been employed without problems of professionalism, and received positive feedback from learners. However, there is no solid evidence base within the literature that social-networking is equally or more effective than other media available for educational purposes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Education, Medical / methods*
  • Feedback
  • Humans
  • Social Media / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Networking*
  • Students, Medical*