Evaluating Social Media Use Among Active American Members of the Cervical Spine Research Society

Abstract

Study design: Observational study.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are (1) to quantify social media use among active American Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) members; (2) to determine if there is an association between practice setting, region, or years of active membership and social media use.

Summary of background data: Many patients now seek health and physician information online, including on social media. Indeed, social media use by orthopedic surgeons has been shown to be associated with more and improved ratings on physician review websites. Further, social media can provide a means for improved doctor-patient relationships, educational endeavors, and professional networking. However, there is a paucity of literature examining social media use among spine surgeons.

Materials and methods: In January 2019, the CSRS membership directory was used to identify all active American spine surgeon members. Through a Google search, social media use of each spine surgeon on the following platforms was identified: provider page/official website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; LinkedIn; and YouTube. In addition, surgeon characteristics were recorded. The percentage of spine surgeons using each social media platform was reported. Bivariate analysis was used to compare social media use by practice setting, region, and years of active CSRS membership.

Results: Nearly all spine surgeons have a provider page/official website (98%) and over half (56%) have a LinkedIn presence. Less than one third of spine surgeons are on any of the remaining social media platforms analyzed. The least frequently used social media platform was Instagram (3.2%). There was no difference in any social media platform use by practice setting, region, and years of active CSRS membership.

Conclusions: As social media becomes even more common place and the role of it in medical care continues to be better defined, there is notable room for increased social media use among active American members of the CSRS.

Level of evidence: Level IV-observational study.