Feasibility of a virtual Facebook community platform for engagement on health research

• DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.12
• Publication Date: 2021-02-18T08:02:39Z
• Authors: Christi A. Patten; Joyce (Joy) E. Ba...; Elisia L. Cohen; Tabetha A. Brockman; Miguel Valdez Soto; Ian W. West; Jinhee Cha; Maria G. Zavala R...; Milton (Mickey) Eder
• Keywords: Community Engagement; Public Engagement

Abstract Introduction: Community engagement is important for advancing Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), but face-to-face has limited reach scale. We examined the feasibility of a novel virtual Facebook community platform public on health research statewide in Minnesota. Methods: The platform, MN Research Link , was evaluated from June 19, 2019 to 30, 2020. advertisements boosts were used recruit followers. Content, based prior formative work, included information interactive postings (e.g., live interviews with researchers). Standard metrics obtained analytics participation (followers), content (views), (likes, shares, comments, clicks). Results: During 12-month period, we acquired 1406 followers (31% rural residents), retention 99.7%. Mean number views per month 9379.83 (Mdn = 2791, range 724–41,510). Engagement indicated mean 535.2 likes, and/or clicks 296.5, 55–1535). page continued acquire new followers, slight decrease observed final months after state COVID-19 mitigation strategies implemented. Conclusion: As complexity CTS continues grow, along social distancing measures resulting pandemic, availability digital platforms engage stakeholders conversations about increasing importance. Preliminary findings this program evaluation indicate that feasible Minnesota residents around topics. Future work will evaluate its potential reach, scale, sustainability.