ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With increasing sports medicine content on social media, we sought to identify the top sports medicine influencers on X (formerly Twitter) and analyse their common characteristics. METHODS: X influence scores for "Sports Medicine" were collected in November 2021 from Right Relevance. Accounts were then screened in a blind, duplicate manner for personal and X profile characteristics. RESULTS: Physical therapists/physiotherapists made up 48% of the top sports science and medicine influencers. Locations in the U.S. and U.K. were listed for half of the influencers. The mean h-index was 30.2 (95% CI = [24.8-35.6]) with a median of 22.0 (range = 1-101). Most individuals reported multiple practice settings (63%), with 60% associated with an academic setting. Professional (62%) and Olympic (49%) level athletics were most frequently mentioned, with soccer (48%) and rugby (30%) as the most common sports. Among 76 profiles with URLs, most were linked to personal websites (57.9%). CONCLUSION: The top influencers on X consisted of accredited sports science and medicine professionals across various locations and occupations, providing ample networking and collaboration opportunities. The relatively high h-index in this study suggests sports science and medicine influencers on X are notable contributors to academic literature.
ABSTRACT
Procalcitonin (PCT), a precursor of the hormone calcitonin, has emerged as a marker of bacterial infection that appears to be particularly useful in respiratory conditions. PCT testing has been shown to be beneficial in supporting healthcare professionals with their decision-making about treatment. It also has particular advantages in relation to the care of older people, notably in terms of assessment, recognising sepsis, reducing polypharmacy and informing antibiotic prescribing. This article discusses PCT testing in care homes and how its use can support nurses working in such settings to provide optimal care to residents. The article is underpinned by the latest evidence on PCT testing and the author's clinical experience as an advanced nurse practitioner working in a care home.
