Using Twitter (X) to Mobilize Knowledge for First Contact Physiotherapists: Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Knowledge Mobilization
• Digital Health

Background:

• Healthcare professionals, including musculoskeletal first contact physiotherapists (FCPs), commonly use Twitter (X).
• The role of Twitter in knowledge mobilization and reducing the evidence-to-practice gap remains underexplored.
• FCPs, often working in isolation, are an ideal group to study knowledge mobilization via Twitter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how Twitter is currently used and can be utilized to mobilize knowledge for FCPs' clinical practice.
• To understand the potential of Twitter in bridging the gap between research and clinical application for FCPs.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 FCPs in English primary care.
• Participants were purposively sampled based on employment and Twitter usage.
• Thematic analysis, guided by the knowledge mobilization mindlines model, was employed.

Main Results:

• FCPs utilize Twitter for rapid knowledge access, networking, and peer reassurance, addressing needs related to isolated practice and role uncertainty.
• The journey of knowledge exchange from Twitter to practice involves scrolling, filtering, and adapting information, with infographics being particularly engaging.
• Impeding factors include misinformation, bias, echo chambers, unprofessionalism, and privacy concerns, leading to reluctance in active participation.

Conclusions:

• Twitter serves as a valuable adjunct for FCPs, offering quick access to knowledge, networking, and professional support.
• The mindlines model effectively explains the knowledge exchange journey from digital to offline contexts.
• Recommendations include social media training and enhanced governance to optimize Twitter's use for knowledge mobilization.