Uptake Patterns Of Social Media

The study does not state a clear research question, however, it states the aim of the research from which the PICo format can be applied. The aim of this research study is to look at the uptake patterns of social media in Australian and New Zealand graduate nurses and midwives. It looks at what understanding the new graduates have of policies and standards that govern the use of social media within the nursing and midwifery profession. Through this statement is can be identified that the population (P) is Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery graduates. The phenomenon of interest (I) is the uptake patterns of social media and awareness of policies and/or professional standards governing the use of social media. The context (Co) of

The data was collected via an e-cohort survey administered by the undergraduate programme from the graduate’s universities and is appropriate for the study. Data was collected using 5 closed and open-ended questions formulated from previous workforce research and literature themes. The methods of data analysis are clearly stated as descriptive statistics for question 1, 2 and 5 and a thematic analysis for question 3 and 4. The use of correct descriptive statistics is a strength in this article as it allows the data to be described and summarised in the form of percentages. It allowed the focus of the analysis to be on the open ended questions (qualitative) through thematic

AHPRA states that healthcare professionals should not post anything on social media that breaches confidentiality or privacy of patients, fails to comply with professional obligations and posting any unconfirmed claims (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency 2014). The ANMF guidelines are closely similar and inform nurses and midwives to consider professional obligations, privacy and confidentiality of patients, the nature and content of the post, etiquette, discretion of registration and personal details, maintain a professional relationship with patients and awareness of where information may end up when posting online (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation 2017). The implications for practice in the nursing and midwifery profession for this research study is the lack of knowledge that 28% of new graduates have about policies/standards governing the use of social media. If the newly graduated nurses and midwives are not acquainted with the policies and standards, implications for practice may include, deregistration due to professional misconduct and breach of employer’s policies and procedures, unexpected information sharing and breach of privacy and confidentiality. It is important that nursing and midwifery graduates are