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Social media insights for neurosurgical oncologists: a survey of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Tumors

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Abstract

Purpose

There is a paucity in the literature regarding the characteristics and attitudes of social media (SM) utilization in a professional manner by neurosurgical oncologists.

Methods

A 34-question electronic survey was created using Google Forms and disseminated via email to members of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Tumors. Demographic data were compared amongst those who utilize social media versus those who do not. Factors associated with positive effects of professional SM use and with having more followers on SM were analyzed.

Results

The survey received 94 responses, of which 64.9% reported that they currently use SM in a professional manner. Age < 50 years was found to be associated with SM use (p = 0.038). Facebook (54.1%), Twitter (60.7%), Instagram (41%), and LinkedIn (60.7%) were the most used SM platforms. Having a higher number of followers was associated with practicing in academics (p = 0.005), using Twitter (p = 0.013), posting about their own research publications (p = 0.018), posting interesting cases (p = 0.022), and posting about upcoming events (p = 0.001). Having a higher number of followers on SM was also associated with positive effects, specifically new patient referrals (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Neurosurgical oncologists can benefit by using social media professionally for increased patient engagement and networking within the medical community. Practicing in academics, making use of Twitter, and posting about interesting cases, upcoming academic events, and one’s own research publications can help gain followers. In addition, having a large following on social media could lead to positive effects such as new patient referrals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Ali S. Haider

  2. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Peter G. Zaki

  3. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA

    Gautam U. Mehta

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Jason P. Sheehan

  5. Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny Health Network Neuroscience Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Matthew J. Shepard

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  1. Ali S. Haider
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  4. Jason P. Sheehan
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Contributions

Ali sent out and collected the surveys along with putting the tables together. All authors contributed to the manuscript writing and review.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew J. Shepard.

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Haider, A.S., Zaki, P.G., Mehta, G.U. et al. Social media insights for neurosurgical oncologists: a survey of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Tumors. J Neurooncol 162, 129–135 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-023-04268-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-023-04268-9

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