#How to NeuroTwitter: Evaluating the Impact of a Comprehensive #NeuroTwitter Network Guide for the 2020-2021 Neurology Residency Application Cycle

ABSTRACT

Objective: To understand the impact of a novel social media guide, #HowToNeuroTwitter, on how neurology applicants and residency programs utilize Twitter throughout the 2020-2021 neurology residency application process. Background: Due to COVID-19 and the unprecedented changes to neurology residency interview season, a team of neurology trainees initiated a grassroots effort to highlight #NeuroTwitterNetwork through the creation of a comprehensive guide #HowToNeuroTwitter. Design/Methods: Participants self-enrolled through a publicly available virtual form, recruited through Twitter, alternative social media platforms, and online forums. The first edition of the #HowToNeuroTwitter guide was published in August 2020. Results: The first edition of the #HowToNeuroTwitter Guide featured 462 registered users, composed of 122 medical students, 158 neurology residents/fellows, and 182 attending physicians. The guide launched on August 9th, 2020 in a Twitter post generating 29,874 impressions, 4,443 engagements, 1,242 link clicks, 207 likes, and 160 retweets. A unique hyperlink, "bit.ly/NeuroTwitterNetwork" allowing for monitoring of guide utilization, is currently at >1800 interactions. Following inaugural release, a utilization survey was completed by 31 individuals with 30 of 31 rating the guide >/= 8 out of 10. Respondents stated primary uses of the guide included identifying other neurologists, medical education leaders, and neurological organization Twitter accounts with which to interact. A noted correlation following the release of the #HowToNeuroTwitter guide and amplification of the "#NeuroTwitterNetwork" hashtag was the increase by 204% of neurology residency programs (n=24 to n=73) and 142% of 4th year US medical students self-identifying as neurology applicants (n=29 to n=70) on Twitter. Conclusions: A trainee driven initiative to increase Twitter utilization as a networking, recruitment, and educational tool has led to the creation of a novel social media guide, spurring the utilization of Twitter by neurologists. Given our demonstration of feasibility and reach, national organizations in neurology should consider adopting this activity to advocate for medical students considering neurology training.