The impact of social media on dermatologists and in captivating their patients: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dermatology practice has been impacted in the modern era of connectivity and social media (SM). Users' choice of dermatology practice may be influenced by SM. This study surveyed dermatologists for the use of SM as part of their practice, and the general population to assess the effect of SM on the practice of dermatology. METHODS: This nationwide, cross-sectional study among dermatologists and the general population used two questionnaires, with the first (S1) targeting a random sample of the Saudi general population and the second (S2) addressing dermatologists. RESULTS: Out of 965 participants in the first questionnaire. 53.78% (n = 519) of the responders followed dermatologists on SM, 57.8% did so to learn about treatment of dermatologic diseases. On the other hand, the S2 was completed by 58 dermatologists. Of them, 82.8% believed that SM had changed the practice of dermatology, 98.3% (n = 57) believed that it changed their own practice. When following a dermatologist on SM, a main reason (26.5%) was to evaluate before-and-after images. CONCLUSION: SM plays a significant role in a physician's reputation and the practice of dermatology. It is a new era that is mainly fueled by technology; keeping pace with these advancements is an essential way to thrive.