Fostering educator identity through social media

Communities of practice (CoPs) are integral to professional identify formation (PIF) of educators. However, it can be challenging to identify and engage with such communities. Social media (SoMe) can facilitate formation of virtual CoPs, support PIF and increase visibility and recognition among peers. Yet, privacy concerns, lack of skills, time constraints and value doubts are reported barriers. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, challenges and suggested strategies to promote SoMe engagement from a group of health professions educators (HPEs).

Using qualitative methodology, we explored opinions of educators participating in Harvard Macy Institute courses regarding professional SoMe use through focus group discussions. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed. Brief questionnaires were distributed to collect frequency of and confidence in SoMe use; these data were analysed descriptively. The Partners Healthcare Institutional Review Board approved the study.

Forty-eight educators participated in six focus groups. About 93.8% had at least one professional SoMe account, although engagement frequency varied. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: (1) challenges to engagement, including juggling commitments and feeling overwhelmed; (2) benefits to joining a community, including staying informed and sharing scholarship; and (3) strategies to encourage inclusion, including tailored training and institutional champions.

Though challenges to engagement were reported, participants noted multiple benefits. SoMe engagement can foster virtual CoPs among HPEs and potentially contribute to PIF. Subsequently, we offer five recommendations for efficient and impactful social media engagement for healthcare professionals.