AI Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to examine nurses' and midwives' use of social media in relation to e-professionalism, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and information needs, as well as the impact of age and professional role on these factors.
- A survey with 311 participants revealed that almost all (97.4%) used social media, with age impacting their usage patterns, while professional role showed no significant associations.
- Thematic analysis highlighted five key areas of concern among participants: maintaining professional boundaries, avoiding risks, self-protection, understanding responsibilities, and viewing social media as a beneficial tool.
Article Abstract
Aim: To describe nurses' and midwives' social media use, knowledge, attitudes and information needs, in the context of e-professionalism. A secondary aim was to identify any relationship between these variables and age, or professional role.
Background: Midwives and nurses are viewed by the public as trusted professionals. On social media, the boundary between professional and personal identities can be blurred. Previous research has explored how student nurses navigate professional behaviour online, or e-professionalism. However, confusion persists amongst established nurses and midwives, despite the policies which guide and regulate their online conduct.
Design: A cross-sectional designwas applied. The STROBE guideline informed reporting of the findings.
Methods: A validated survey tool was modified to the study setting. Responses to 17 survey items were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on responses to two open-ended questions.
Results: In total, 311 nurses and midwives from one Western Australian tertiary hospital participated between August 2019 and February 2020. Social media use was widespread (97.4%, n = 299). Associations were identified between age group and eight survey items assessing social media use, knowledge and attitudes. No associations were identified between professional role and social media use, knowledge and attitudes. Content analysis revealed five themes: Maintaining professional boundaries; Avoidance; Protecting self; Responsibilities and consequences; and Social media as a tool.
Conclusions: Midwives and nurses in this study approached social media with caution yet many were curious about its potential. If midwives and nurses are to be held accountable to social media policies and use the benefits social media affords, they must be supported to evolve into proficient users by educators and policy makers.
Tweetable Abstract: Nurses and midwives must be supported through policy and education to embrace social media as a tool of the future.
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Source |
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103248 | DOI Listing |
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