Twitter journal clubs and continuing professional development: An analysis of a #MedRadJClub tweet chat. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bolderston, A.; Watson, J.; Woznitza, N.; Westerink, A.; Di Prospero, L.; Currie, G.; Beardmore, C.; Hewis, J.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 24:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Social media -- Twitter -- Journal clubs -- Professional development -- Education; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2017.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Online Twitter journal clubs are a recent and popular innovation with the potential to increase research awareness and inform practice. The medical radiation sciences' MedRadJournalClub (MJRC) is a Twitter-based event that attracts a global group of participants at the monthly chats. An analysis of a recent MedRadJournalClub discussion evaluated the perceived benefits and limitations of medical radiation practitioners participating in an online journal club. Methods: The February 2017 chat used for analysis was based on the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences article by Currie et al. "Twitter Journal Club in Medical Radiation Science" that examines the educational theory behind learning and evidencing professional development through MRJC and social media. The data consisted of chat tweets which were collated using the Twitter advanced search function using the #medradjclub. An initial reviewed was performed to exclude irrelevant content. A second review was then undertaken to categorize the main theme of the tweet. The data were then subjected to thematic analysis which yielded seven different categories. Results: The main benefits included global access due to the online nature of MRJC that has facilitated networking and collaboration. Open access to recently published research was another key benefit. The character limitation of a tweet was the most common constraint, and the dynamic nature of the twitter conversation requires multi-tasking that may be difficult. Conclusion: Our analysis indicated that participants use MedRadJournalClub as a source of continuing professional development with some evidence that this is directly informing clinical and educational practice. Highlights: The MedRadJournalClub (MRJC) is a monthly online Twitter journal club. MRJC benefits include global access leading to networking and collaboration. Constraints include the limited characters of a tweet and the fast paced chats. Participants may use MRJC as continuing professional development (CPD). Some elements of this CPD inform clinical and educational practice.