The power of social networks in Urology. The current panorama of the medical resident community of the Sociedad Mexicana de Urología (SMU)

Abstract

Introduction: Social networks enable their users to create, share, comment on, and transfer multimedia among millions of internet users in real time. The urology social media hashtag, #UroSoMe, provides an excellent opportunity to find and exchange health information.

Objective: To evaluate the current situation in relation to #UroSoMe among the community of urologists in training associated with the Sociedad Mexicana de Urología (SMU), a highly relevant Mexican professional organism.

Materials and methods: : A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by means of an online survey on the sociodemographic characteristics of social media users and their associated perceptions and use of social media. Fifty-two questionnaires were completed.

Results: A total of 80.8% (n=42) of those surveyed were men and 19.2% (n=10) were women. Facebook ® (78.8%) and Instagram ® (51.9%) were the favored social networks utilized for social communication among residents and 78.8% (n=41) used them personally (for leisure) and professionally.

Discussion: #UroSoMe is useful in urologic activity, especially from the perspective of communication and connectivity among professionals.

Conclusions: Social networks have become a tool for healthcare professionals to communicate with one another. Urology residents associated with the SMU find them useful for keeping updated and establishing professional connections. Safeguarding the quality, security, and correct use of information shared on social media is a great challenge.