ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Early detection and screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are critical in reducing complications; thus, advocacy and awareness are paramount. Social media, Twitter, in particular, connects users based on their content engagement, allowing global audience to interact with one another, providing an opportunity to spread awareness and support for children and families affected by conditions such as DDH. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and content of information being published on Twitter pertaining to DDH. METHODS: A search strategy using key terms was developed. An a priori coding guide using search terms was then created to establish a framework to identify themes regarding DDH on Twitter. Data were extracted over one-week periods in June and July of 2019 and 2020. An excel-based coding guide was developed to organize and analyze the extracted data. RESULTS: A total of 142 tweets were extracted for analysis; 41 in 2019 and 101 in 2020. The most frequently used search terms were hip dysplasia, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and dislocated hip. In 2019, the most frequent tweet authors were healthcare organizations (13/41, 31.7%) and healthcare professionals (12/41, 29.3%). In contrast in 2020, 32.7% (33/101) tweets were authored by patients. Prevention, treatment, and general discussions were top categories in 2019, compared to education, awareness, and general discussions in 2020. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that user engagement with DDH content on Twitter increased by 2.5-fold from 2019 to 2020. We found similar patterns regarding the types of authors and content type in both years. However, focus shifted toward topics of education and awareness in 2020. SIGNIFICANCE: Our analysis identified trends and gaps in the use of Twitter that could be implemented by users to optimize messages, such as connecting directly and conversing with users through replies. Findings also indicate the importance of multi-author engagement to increase the breadth of distribution of information. Social media platforms can efficiently disseminate information to a wide range of individuals; however, they must be leveraged appropriately to accurately inform the public about DDH. Engaging with Twitter users hold great potential to promote advocacy and increase early detection and screening for DDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic required rapid, global health care shifts to prioritize urgent or pandemic-related care and minimize transmission. Little is known about impacts on pediatric orthopaedic surgeons during this time. We aimed to investigate COVID-19-related changes in practice, training, and research among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons globally. METHODS: An online survey was administered to orthopaedic surgeons with interest in pediatrics in April 2020 and a follow-up was administered in February 2021. The surveys captured demographics and surgeons' self-reported experiences during the pandemic. Participants were recruited from web media and available email lists of orthopaedic societies over a 2-month period. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results, stratified by the severity of local COVID-19-related measures. RESULTS: A total of 460 responses from 45 countries were collected for initial survey. Of these, 358 (78.5%) respondents reported lockdown measures in their region at time of survey. Most (n=337, 94.4%) reported pausing all elective procedures. Surgeons reported a reduction in the average number of surgeries per week, from 6.89 (SD=4.61) prepandemic to 1.25 (SD=2.26) at time of survey (mean difference=5.64; 95% confidence interval=5.19, 6.10). Average number of elective outpatient appointments per week decreased from 67.89 (SD=45.78) prepandemic to 11.79 (SD=15.83) at time of survey (mean difference=56.10, 95% confidence interval=5.61, 60.58). In total, 177 (39.4%) surgeons reported using virtual modes of outpatient appointments for the first time. Of 290 surgeons with trainees, 223 (84.5%) reported implementation of systems to continue training such as webinars or virtual rounds. Of 192 respondents with research, 149 (82.8%) reported continuing research activities during the pandemic with most reporting either cessation (n=75, 64.15%), or reduction (n=25, 29.9%) in participant recruitment. A total of 111 responses from 28 countries were collected during follow-up. Surgeons described policy and circumstantial changes that facilitated resumption of clinical work. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and its related counter measures have had significant impacts on pediatric orthopaedic practice and increased uptake of technology to provide care continuity. Rigorous epidemiological studies are needed to assess impacts of delayed and virtual care on patient outcomes.
