The research and social media relationship

Social media is pervasive in most people's lives. It has become an indispensable communication tool, allowing users to communicate with other individuals and groups across the world. The internet and social media are rapidly changing healthcare and research culture. Social media has become an appropriate and valid method for nurses and midwives to source research, keep abreast of the latest evidence and engage with other clinicians through continuing professional development activities. In this chapter, we aim to guide the reader through the roles and functions of social media in nursing and midwifery research. Furthermore, readers will learn how social media can be very helpful to keep up to date with research activity and engage directly with nursing and midwifery researchers locally and across the globe. This chapter will also explore some examples of how nursing and midwifery researchers and journals reporting research are using social media to engage nurses and midwives with research evidence.