Exploring the use of social media by occupational therapy students.

Abstract

This poster will disseminate the findings from a Student as Co- Researcher (SCoRe) project, which aimed to investigate; knowledge, attitudes of professionalism, ethical practice and the use of social media by occupational therapy students. A mixed methods design was used, comprising of a survey, focus group and scoping review. The scoping review captured and summarised literature concerning the use of social media by regulated health care professionals. The scope of the search was broadened due to the lacked of literature on occupational therapists. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey, using an online tool, with a convenience sample recruiting from occupational therapy students at York St John University. Survey questions were adapted from a study with pharmacy students (Hall et al 2013). Also, a semi-structured group interview (focus group) using photo elicitation explored images shared on social media platforms and themes of professional behaviour. Data is still being analysed but initial findings include: ● Twitter is not widely used and but the potential for its use for academic or professional use is growing ● Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat are the most popular social networking platforms ● Awareness of professionalism and use of social media had grown over the course of the degree and resulted in reviewing privacy settings on Facebook In conclusion, when analysis of all of the data has been completed, the authors aim to make recommendations to the University and the profession regarding how social media can be utilized by students in a safe but effective way