Nationwide cross-sectional study of Danish surgeons' professional use of social media.

INTRODUCTION: The extent of professional social media (SM) engagement by Danish surgeons remains unknown. It may be important for Danish surgeons to engage in SM, not only to establish and maintain an international network, but also to stay up to date on new developments in the international surgical community. The aim of the present study was to describe Danish surgeons' professional engagement in SM.

METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study surveying all registered Danish surgeons who were members of the Danish Medical Association by May 2017. An online questionnaire was sent to all identified surgeons twice eight days apart. The questionnaire contained questions about the use of SM for professional purposes.

RESULTS: The total response rate was 40.8%. After exclusion of non-active surgeons, a total of 261 respondents were included in the study. Of these, 81 (30.0%) reported to be engaged in SM professionally. Surgeons actively using SM professionally were younger (mean age 53.8 versus 57.6 years, p = 0.018) and had more often been scientifically active within the past year (64.1% versus 48.6%, p = 0.032) compared with surgeons who were not using SM professionally. Of those who were not engaged in SM professionally, 33 (18.3%) replied that they would consider using SM for professional purposes if they received help in doing this.

CONCLUSIONS: One third of surgeons in Denmark seem to be actively engaged in SM for professional purposes. The findings of the present study suggest that a potential for further SM involvement exists.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: none.