Background
The use of social media platforms by both dermatologists and patients is accelerating.
However, the magnitude of use and the reciprocal effect of use in communication are
still largely unknown in Egypt, and as yet have to be fully evaluated.
Objective
To assess and quantify the extent of involvement of Egyptian female dermatology
residents on social media sites and their attitudes toward communicating with patients
online.
Participants and methods
The present study involved a quantitative, cross-sectional survey using a sample of
female Egyptian dermatology residents attending an annual dermatology conference.
The tool used was a self-report questionnaire filled by the participants.
Results
Among the 116 dermatology residents in the present study, 73.28% were living in
urban areas and 58.62% practiced dermatology in a public hospital. Among them,
91.38% used Facebook, but the most common method for interaction with patients
was the telephone (61.21%). Most of the participants (66.38%) never discussed
social media usage with their patients; however, 50% of the responders found it
appropriate to interact with their patients professionally through e-mail. Moreover,
73.28% thought that correcting wrong health information online was their duty. Most
participants (54.31%) were hesitant to immerse themselves completely into social
media due to concerns about public access. A ‘friend request’ on Facebook was
received by 33.62% of the sample from one of their patients, and 39.66% mentioned
that they would do nothing if they receive such a request.
Conclusion
Although the use of social media, especially Facebook, is very common among female
dermatology residents, the telephone still remains the most common method for
interaction with patients. Dermatologists find it appropriate to interact with their
patients professionally through e-mail; however, most of them never discuss social
media usage with their patients. This reflects the technological gap between doctors
and most patients, especially in rural areas. Inability to have proper medical information
is a consequence of lack of proper use of internet by many patients. |
