OTnews July 2023 | Page 44

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My top tips for using social media
• Think before you post or retweet a post .
• Follow interesting and active pages , which you feel you will learn from .
• Get involved in discussions and reflections around practice .
• Follow the RCOT regional and specialist sections for updates on events and to access rich opportunities .
• If in doubt , ask for support and seek advice if you are uncertain about anything at all .
One of the biggest benefits for me is networking ; as a result , it has led me to opportunities including a voluntary role for RCOT , becoming Vice Chair for my region . It has also allowed me to discuss practice with clinicians , leaders and researchers around the country and across the world .
Belonging and connecting
Two words that come to mind when I think of social media are belonging and connecting . It doesn ’ t matter what role , region or interests members have , everyone has an equal voice and the online community presents with this feeling .
On social media we all have an equal role to play ; everyone who is on there for CPD purposes are united in wanting to connect , learn , grow and use the platforms to benefit themselves , their service users , teams and the profession .
Moving forward
It is arguably evident that we are moving into a more digital world ; the way we connect , access materials , learn and grow is changing . However , personally , I don ’ t think social media can ever be used as a single optimal tool for continuing professional development . I don ’ t feel that faceto-face learning and networking can ever be truly replaced , after all we are social beings .
But I do feel that as a profession we should embrace using social media platforms for CPD and utilise the existing benefits to our advantage . I believe that social media should be used a tool and an aid to enhance and optimise our CPD further and allow for rich opportunities that may not be available offline .
Final consideration
Before I started using social media I sought support and did some research around the different platforms . I asked myself : What do I want to get out of using social media ?
Undoubtably , social media can be a daunting place if you are new to it . Therefore , as a starting point I would suggest talking to those members of the profession around you already using social media . Ask how they find using social media and get top tips and reassurance before joining .
If you are considering joining social media , read the guidance from RCOT and HCPC ( RCOT 2019 ; HCPC 2020 ). This will help you to ensure you are using social media effectively and in a way that meets professional standards .
Hughes K ( 2020 ) The use of Twitter for continuing professional development within occupational therapy , Journal of Further and Higher Education , 44:1 , 113-125 , DOI : 10.1080 / 0309877X . 2018.1515900 .
Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2019 ) Introduction to social media . Available online at bit . ly / 3D0qwCe [ accessed 4 July 2023 ].
Health and Care Professions Council ( 2020 ) Guidance on the use of social media . Available at bit . ly / 3NXldZF [ accessed 4 July 2023 ].
Words PAUL WILKINSON , Vice Chair and Co-Social Media Lead , RCOT Northern and Yorkshire Region , visit bit . ly / 44tZMG5
44 OTnews July 2023