The Role of Social Media in Professional Programmes

Linda Wylie LecturerUniversity of the West of Scotland

What is social media?“use of web-based and mobile technologies to

turn communication into interactive dialogue”

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73532212@N00/2945559128

Social MediaFacebook TwitterOn line forumsBloggingVirtual ConferencingLinkedInPinterest

Social media in midwifery practiceEverybody using it!MothersConsult Dr Google Talk about childbirthSupport each otherBroadcast birthsBecome activists

Midwives use itShare experiences – bloggingShare information – TwitterConnect with each other – VIDMCollate information - Pinterest

ExamplesVirginia v OBEMChoose your midwife, choose your birthFree Agnes Gereb#VIDMteenmums Lourdes@e-midwife https://twitter.com/Lola_emidwifeBirthrights

NMC guidanceThe Code – ‘must uphold the reputation of the profession at all times’.

Do not discuss work-related issues online, including conversations about patients or complaints about colleagues. Even when anonymised, these are likely to be inappropriate.

Conduct on line, and conduct in the real world, should be judged in the same way.

Survey Monkey94 responses100% use Facebook25% for personal and professional use76% useful resource for communicating with

colleagues39% useful to reflect on practice67% useful for midwifery education

Responses‘’…there is a 'fear' about what we can and cannot say on

the sites. However my classmates and I have a private page, whereby only personally invited people can view our chats. Very useful in my opinion.”

“As long as confidentiality is always borne in mind, social networking sites can be easily accessible, instantaneous sources of education, support and reflection.”

“I think the use of social network sites should be considered carefully in any professional capacity as it is so easy to put something that may cause conflict, offend or possibly even break confidentiality”

UWSMidwiferyImage of Facebook page removed – open

page for anyone interested in doing midwifery at UWS

Online forums

BenefitsHarness interaction and educational

opportunitiesIncrease support when on placementReduce attritionEncourage networking with fellow

professionals

RisksReported breaches of confidentialityStudents are the least experienced

professionally. Lack of understanding about privacy settings

(Jones 2012)Lecturers time

Missed opportunity!!What does it mean to uphold the reputation of the profession at all times?If confidentiality issues are upheld, interaction via social media, or real life, can lead to invaluable educational opportunities.Increasing use of social media for professional discussion.Need to embrace social media – not hide from it.

ReferenceJones C 2012 Social networking in the health

professions. Essentially MIDIRS (3)7; 32-36