Half of Plastic Surgeons Use Social Media Professionally

Social media use highest among those who primarily perform cosmetic plastic surgery

TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Roughly half of plastic surgeons use social media tools to market their practices, according to a study published in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Andrew J. Vardanian, M.D., from the University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues anonymously surveyed members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons about social media usage.

The researchers found that half of respondents regularly used social media. Respondents cited the following reasons for utilizing social media: belief that incorporation of social media into medical practice is inevitable (56.7 percent); belief that social media are an effective marketing tool (52.1 percent); and belief that social media provide a forum for patient education (49 percent). Social media use was higher among surgeons with a primarily aesthetic surgery practice. Just over one-third (33.8 percent) reported a positive impact from social media on their practice, whereas most respondents (64.6 percent) stated that social media had no impact and 1.5 percent reported a negative impact.

"There is a definite interest among those surveyed in developing best practice standards and oversight to ensure ethical use of social media platforms throughout the plastic surgery community," the authors write.

Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Health News Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Powered by

Featured Jobs

Learning Centers

Find in-depth content on major issues provided by leading companies in partnership with NursingCenter.com

BD Safety Beyond Needlestick Prevention Learning Center

Sponsored by BD Medical




Benefits of Membership

FREE E-Newsletters
Sign up for our free enewsletters to stay up-to-date in your area of practice - or take a look at an archive of prior issues

CESaver
Join our CESaver program to earn up to 100 contact hours for only $34.95
Register Now

Lippincott's NursingCenter.com
Explore a world of online resources

Become a Member