Using social media to disseminate primary care research

Social media are a powerful means of communication among health-care professionals, patients and the public. Their use has been increasing steadily globally, transforming the way that people exchange information, interact and collaborate. Physicians are using more and more social networks to connect with broader audiences, communicate with their patients and their colleagues and build a network of trustworthy peers. Researchers are also leveraging social media, capitalising on the velocity with which the messages can spread and the ability to disseminate their messages to the general public in addition to research communities, thus attracting more attention and increasing the influence and impact of their work.