2185: The Evolving Digital Landscape of Social Media among Rheumatology Professionals: A Global Analysis by the EULAR SoMeR Study Group

Background/Purpose: Social media (SoMe) has become an indispensable tool in healthcare, providing platforms for information sharing, networking, and education. However, its use presents challenges including misinformation, professional boundaries, and platform-specific limitations. Building upon the EULAR EMEUNET survey, we aimed to characterize SoMe utilization within rheumatology globally, identifying variations in usage patterns and integration into practice.

Methods: The EULAR study group on social media (SoMeR) convened in July 2023 with global, multiprofessional representation, identifying key priorities: advocacy, understanding SM use, and developing a position statement on appropriate use. A 30-item survey was designed with group inputs following adoption from the previous EMEUNET survey, validated by professionals and public, translated into 6 languages, and distributed via mailing lists and social media channels of EMEUNET, PANLAR Joven, and APLAR Young Rheumatology. Analysis employed Human Development Index (HDI) and Internet Freedom Index (IFI) to assess digital divides.

Results: 840 respondents among whom 597 used social media (M:F ratio 1:1.12),
with characteristics in Table 1. Primary reasons for non-use included privacy
concerns (15.40%), time constraints (12.80%), perceived unsuitability (12.10%),
and misinformation risks (9.40%).
SoMe adoption varied by region and in purpose: Europe (97.3%) vs Asia-Pacific
(88.6%) (Fig 1A,B, D and E). Twitter/X was predominant in Europe/North
America (66.1%/75.0%) while YouTube was preferred in Asia-Pacific/South
America (79.9%/73.3%) (Fig 1D). Lower HDI regions reported more connectivity
issues (28.1% vs 16.7%), while higher HDI cited legal restrictions (24.4%) (Fig 1C
and F). IFI analysis showed countries with restricted internet freedom
paradoxically reported higher positive impact from SoMe (4.04/5 vs 3.86/5,
p=0.008).

Female professionals showed higher SoMe adoption (94.4% vs 88.8%,
p=0.016). Longitudinal analysis (2015-2023) revealed trends toward
professional applications and away from networking functions (Fig 2A).
Respondents increasingly reported feeling overwhelmed by SoMe content
(56.9%), particularly in South America and Africa (73.3%/70.3%, p=0.007).
Following these results, the SoMeR Study Group developed a consensus
"Digital Equity Declaration for Rheumatology" (Fig 2C) focusing on
professional integrity, evidence-based communication, cohesive platforms,
patient dignity, and inclusive engagement. Interest in SoMe training was high
(83.3%), with webinars preferred (41.1%) (Fig 2B).

Conclusion: This global survey demonstrates SoMe's integral role in rheumatology with significant regional variations. The disparities call for targeted interventions addressing connectivity in lower-resource settings and legal concerns in higher-resource regions. Through strategic engagement with social media while upholding professionalism and scientific integrity, we can transform rheumatology's digital presence from isolated efforts to a cohesive global community. Future projects include revision of the EMEUNET X course and focused group interviews to enhance digital engagement in rheumatology.