Facebook as a resource for cochlear implant information: a thematic content analysis

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Online support groups are increasingly utilized by patients with cochlear implants (CI).
• Understanding user engagement and information needs within these communities is crucial for improving CI care.
• Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the content and themes within major CI-focused social media groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key themes and user interests in a prominent Facebook cochlear implant support group.
• To analyze how users engage within this online support community.
• To pinpoint educational gaps in cochlear implant care.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective thematic content analysis was performed on 536 Facebook posts from the 'Cochlear Implant Experiences' group over two weeks in July 2024.
• Posts were analyzed for author, tone, content, and engagement metrics.
• Inductive coding was used to identify themes and subthemes, with disagreements resolved by consensus.

Main Results:

• Patients authored the majority of posts (81.6%), with an average of 22 reactions and 20 comments per post.
• Most posts were questions (69%) concerning device management, predominantly with a neutral (49.6%) or negative (28.3%) tone.
• Eight major themes emerged, with a strong emphasis on practical questions about CI device and equipment management.

Conclusions:

• Patients heavily rely on social media communities for peer-to-peer information and support regarding cochlear implant (CI) management.
• The analysis reveals significant patient trust in shared experiences within these online forums.
• Findings offer valuable insights for CI providers and manufacturers to address identified educational deficits and enhance patient support strategies.