J Perinat Med. 2022 Feb 14. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0429. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Instagram (IG) is becoming one of the larger resource tools within medicine. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming important for programs to improve virtual presence and outreach. We evaluated the adoption of IG by OB/GYN residency programs in the United States and aimed to see if highly ranked programs had higher utilization rates.
METHODS: IG presence and engagement metrics were extracted for all ACGME accredited OB/GYN programs. Doximity residency navigator tool was used to obtain nationwide program rankings, and statistical analysis was performed to prove any significant correlation. Mann-Whitney U test, Cochran-Armitage test and Analysis of variance were used for analysis. IRB exemption was obtained.
RESULTS: Seventy percent of programs (202/287) have IG presence, with the majority creating presence after the COVID pandemic began (115/202; 57%). Seventy-two percent (83/115) of these programs created their IG account once virtual interviews were announced. The top 25% of programs, as ranked on Doximity, have a higher number of posts, followers and likes when compared to the rest of the programs.
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased adoption of IG by residency programs. Highly ranked and reputed programs have higher rates of activity, popularity, and engagement on IG.
PMID:35150125 | DOI:10.1515/jpm-2021-0429
