Examining the Effectiveness of Social Media for the Dissemination of Research Evidence for Health and Social Care Practitioners: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• DOI: 10.2196/51418
• Publication Date: 2024-06-05T17:25:08Z
• Authors: Sarah Roberts-Lewis; Helen Baxter; Gill Mein; Sophia Quirke-McF...; Fiona J Leggat; Hannah Garner; Martha Powell; Sarah White; Lindsay Bearne
• Keywords: Grading (engineering); Information Dissemination; Evidence-Based Practice

Background Social media use has potential to facilitate the rapid dissemination of research evidence busy health and social care practitioners. Objective This study aims quantitatively synthesize between- within-group effectiveness for It also compared between different platforms, formats, strategies. Methods We searched electronic databases articles in English that were published January 1, 2010, 10, 2023, evaluated interventions disseminating qualified, postregistration practitioners measures reach, engagement, direct dissemination, or impact. Screening, data extraction, risk bias assessments carried out by at least 2 independent reviewers. Meta-analyses standardized pooled effects comparisons Certainty outcomes was assessed using GRADE (Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, Evaluations) framework. Results In total, 50 mixed-quality heterogeneous design outcome included (n=9, 18% randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Reach (measured number practitioners, impressions, post views) reported 26 studies. Engagement likes interactions) 21 Direct link clicks, article views, downloads, altmetric attention score) analyzed 23 studies (8 RCTs). Impact citations thinking practice) 13 Included almost universally indicated favor interventions, although effect sizes varied. Cumulative moderate certainty large between-group on (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.88; P=.02) impact (SMD 0.76; P<.001). After cumulative showed reach 1.99; P<.001), engagement 3.74; 0.82; P=.004) low a small impacting practice 0.45; P=.02). There multiple platforms (including Twitter, subsequently rebranded X; Facebook), images (particularly infographics), intensive strategies with frequent, daily posts involving influential others. No tested Conclusions effective More intense campaigns specific may be more than less interventions. Implications include recommendations further RCTs this field, particularly investigating research. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register Systematic Reviews CRD42022378793; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=378793 Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/45684