Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Despite extensive literature describing the use of social media in health research, a gap exists around best practices in establishing, implementing and evaluating effective social media knowledge translation (KT) and exchange strategies.
Objectives: Our goal was to examine successes, challenges, and lessons learned from utilizing social media within health research, and create practical considerations to guide other researchers.
Methods: The Knowledge Translation Platform of the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit formed a national working group involving platform staff, academics, and a parent representative with experience using social media for health research. We collected and analyzed four case studies which utilized a variety of social media platforms and evaluation methods. The case studies covered a spectrum of initiatives from participant recruitment and data collection to dissemination, engagement and evaluation. Methods and findings from each case study were summarized, as well as barriers and facilitators encountered. Through iterative discussions, we converged on recommendations and considerations for health researchers planning to use social media for KT
Results: We provide recommendations for elements to consider when developing a social media KT strategy. 1) Set a clear goal and identify a theory, framework, or model that aligns with the project goals and objectives. 2) Understand the intended audience (use social network mapping to learn what platforms and social influences are available). 3) Choose a platform or platforms that meet the needs of the intended audience and aligns well with the research team’s capabilities (can you tap into an existing network? What mode of communication does it support?). 4) Tailor messages to meet user needs and platform requirements (e.g., plain language, word restrictions). 5) Consider timing, frequency, and duration of messaging, as well as nature of interactions (social filtering, negotiated awareness). 6) Ensure adequate resources and personnel are available (e.g., content creators, project coordinator, communications expert and audience stakeholder/patient advocate). 7) Develop an evaluation plan a priori driven by goals and type of data available (quantitative, qualitative). 8) Consider ethical approvals needed (driven by evaluation, type of data collection).
Conclusions: In the absence of a comprehensive framework to guide health researchers using social media for KT, we provide several key considerations. Future research will help validate the proposed components, and create a body of evidence around best practices for utilizing and evaluating social media as part of a KT strategy.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Parents, patients, health care consumers and caregivers were involved throughout some of the case study projects. Additionally, a parent partner was invited to be part of the research team to offer perspective on important outcomes for successful end user engagement.
Objectives: Our goal was to examine successes, challenges, and lessons learned from utilizing social media within health research, and create practical considerations to guide other researchers.
Methods: The Knowledge Translation Platform of the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit formed a national working group involving platform staff, academics, and a parent representative with experience using social media for health research. We collected and analyzed four case studies which utilized a variety of social media platforms and evaluation methods. The case studies covered a spectrum of initiatives from participant recruitment and data collection to dissemination, engagement and evaluation. Methods and findings from each case study were summarized, as well as barriers and facilitators encountered. Through iterative discussions, we converged on recommendations and considerations for health researchers planning to use social media for KT
Results: We provide recommendations for elements to consider when developing a social media KT strategy. 1) Set a clear goal and identify a theory, framework, or model that aligns with the project goals and objectives. 2) Understand the intended audience (use social network mapping to learn what platforms and social influences are available). 3) Choose a platform or platforms that meet the needs of the intended audience and aligns well with the research team’s capabilities (can you tap into an existing network? What mode of communication does it support?). 4) Tailor messages to meet user needs and platform requirements (e.g., plain language, word restrictions). 5) Consider timing, frequency, and duration of messaging, as well as nature of interactions (social filtering, negotiated awareness). 6) Ensure adequate resources and personnel are available (e.g., content creators, project coordinator, communications expert and audience stakeholder/patient advocate). 7) Develop an evaluation plan a priori driven by goals and type of data available (quantitative, qualitative). 8) Consider ethical approvals needed (driven by evaluation, type of data collection).
Conclusions: In the absence of a comprehensive framework to guide health researchers using social media for KT, we provide several key considerations. Future research will help validate the proposed components, and create a body of evidence around best practices for utilizing and evaluating social media as part of a KT strategy.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Parents, patients, health care consumers and caregivers were involved throughout some of the case study projects. Additionally, a parent partner was invited to be part of the research team to offer perspective on important outcomes for successful end user engagement.