Use of a secure social media platform to facilitate reflection in a residency program.

Background: Reflective writing is used to promote learning and professional growth in medical education. Sharing reflections with peers and supervisors facilitates feedback that enhances understanding.

Objective: We explored the feasibility of using a secure social media platform to share reflections and promote reflective discussions in an emergency medicine residency program.

Methods: This was a prospective pilot investigation evaluated with a poststudy opinion survey. Reflective discussions were also described using basic quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results: The 2-month, voluntary, pilot study included 21 faculty and 36 residents. Faculty posted reflections and replies (n  =  146) more frequently than residents did (n  =  48). Survey data suggested both groups found the platform engaging and easy to use, valued the security of the platform, and felt the conversations were valuable to their professional development.

Conclusions: Secure social media offers a feasible option for sharing reflections and facilitating reflective discussions in medical education.