Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons in the modern era: the rise of social media.

Abstract

Background: Social media encompasses multiple forms of electronic communication where users create online communities to share ideas, information and other content. Social media use has grown rapidly, becoming important in surgical practice by providing opportunities for medical education and interaction with patients and colleagues. No study to date has looked at the uptake and prevalence of social media use amongst colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand (NZ).

Aim: To assess the use of websites and social media by all practicing colorectal surgeons in Australia and NZ.

Methodology: All members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and NZ (CSSANZ) were identified. Comprehensive searches of websites and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and ResearchGate) were undertaken to record the presence of a private website or social media account. Factors that were examined included the sex of the surgeon, years in practice and geographical location of the surgeon.

Results: There were 230 practicing colorectal surgeons in Australia and NZ as of December 2017. 80% of surgeons had a private website, of which 20% were ‘single surgeon’ websites. 68% of surgeons had at least one type of social media account. The most widely-used social media platform was LinkedIn (55% of surgeons). 25% of surgeons had a Facebook account and 31% had a ResearchGate profile. Nine percent of surgeons were on Twitter whilst less than 2% were on YouTube. There was no difference between the sexes in use of websites or uptake of social media. NZ surgeons were more engaged with LinkedIn than their Australian peers. Younger surgeons were more likely to use social media.

Conclusion: Colorectal surgeons in Australia and NZ are users of multiple social media platforms and have a strong online presence. There is potential for further uptake of social media which could enhance surgeon-patient and surgeon-surgeon interaction and education.