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Social Media and Learning in Anaesthesia and Critical Care
T Heaton, J Weeks
Introduction:
The ‘Free Open Access Medical Education’ (FOAMed) m ovement has seen the
development of a wide range of websites driving forward evidence based clinical
practice, particularly in the fields of Critical Care and Em ergency Medicine . Use of
social m edia form ats have promoted open discussion, especially in of controversial
areas, new studies, and hum an factors in medicine. These discussions have occurred
through a variety of media, including blogs, podcasts and Twitter.
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Methods:
The field of anaesthesia has so far been under -represented in this approach to clinical
discussion and medical education. To this end we started an online journal club and
blog, rapidsequence.org.uk, to act as a focal point for discussion on important areas of
both Anaesthetic and Critical Care practice, including critical appraisal of new literature
and its potential effects on clinical practice . We used the Weebly website builder to
construct the online profile and post regular ‘blogs’ on topics of personal interest and
current relevance .
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Results:
At the time of writing, rapidsequence.org.uk has a total of 22 blog posts, 3 forum threads
and the site has had 11,850 page views from 8,553 unique visitors. The blog has
covered a wide range of topics including NAP5, major trials such as ENIGMA II, society
guidelines, smaller studies and interesting cases.
Conclusion:
The social media platform represents a fantastic new approach to education and
professional development in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, as well as other medical
specialties. Through blogs such as rapidsequence.org.uk, as well as parallel use of
established social m edia platforms, such as Twitter, WhatsApp and Google+, key topics
can be analysed and discussed at a time that is convenient to the participant. There are
many challenges faced with such projects, including m aintaining participation and
interest, ensuring professional boundaries are maintained, and the risk of being accused
of wasting time of already busy clinicians . We feel rapidsequence.org.uk provides an
example of how social m edia can provide an alternative approach to the traditional
journal club and augment professional developm ent in an easily accessible way to busy
anaesthetic and critical care trainees. We hope to continue to improve engagement
through ties with other regional groups and through the promotion of interesting material.
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References
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www.stemlynsblog.org. Accessed 10/1/2015
www.lifeinthefastlane.com. Accessed 10/1/2015
www.wessexics.com/The_Bottom_Line. Accessed 10/1/2015
www.rapidsequence.org.uk. Accessed 10/1/2015
www.weebly.com. Accessed 10/1/2015
6.
DeCamp M, Cunnigham AM. Social Media: The Way Forward or a Waste of Tim e for
Clinicians? J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2013; 43:318–22
7. General Medical Council. GMC/DUSM/1114. Doctor’s Use of Social Media. 2013
Authors
Dr Tom Heaton, CT2 Anaesthetics Trainee, North West Deanery
[email protected]
Dr John Weeks, CT2 Anaesthetics Trainee, North West Deanery
[email protected]