Factors affecting how Australian doctors view and use social media: a follow-up national survey

The pervasive influence of social media has transformed communication globally, including within the medical profession. Despite policies and guidelines by professional bodies, many doctors remain cautious about social media use. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive reassessment of Australian doctors' social media use and attitudes by comparing results from a 2014 national survey to data from 2019. A random sample of 9,000 medical practitioners yielded 565 respondents. The survey examined five areas of online interaction: usage patterns, online behavior, personal information, patients' information, and doctor-patient interactions. Results showed an increase in social media use, with 81.5% of doctors using it during non-work hours and 47.5% during work hours. However, only 33.9% of doctors reported communicating with patients online, with most (76.5%) citing concern with potential legal issues in online patient interaction. Additionally, only 44.8% of all practices had a social media policy that participants were aware of. Our study underscores the need for better training and support to enhance online engagement and patient care, highlighting the slow progress in integrating social media into clinical practice. Improved awareness, policy implementation, and education are crucial to support doctors in navigating online interactions safely and effectively.