This document discusses the use of social media among student midwives. It provides definitions of social media and references guidelines from the NMC. A survey found that 100% of students use Facebook, with 76% finding it useful for communicating with colleagues and 67% finding it useful for midwifery education. While there are risks like breaches of confidentiality, social media can provide educational and networking benefits if used carefully. The document argues that social media should not be avoided but embraced as a tool for professional discussion and support, as long as confidentiality is maintained.

1. Linda Wylie Lecturer
Stephanie Mair Student Midwife

2. What is social media?
“use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn
communication into interactive dialogue”
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73532212@N00/2945559128

3. Facebook v other packages
http://www.latitudegroup.com/blog/social-media-demographics/

4. NMC guidance
The Code – ‘must uphold the reputation of the
profession at all times’.
Conduct on line and conduct in the real world should be
judged in the same way.

5. Supporting students via social
media

6. Survey Monkey
94 responses
 100% use Facebook
 25% for personal and professional use
 76% useful resource for communicating with
colleagues
 39% useful to reflect on practice
 67% useful for midwifery education

7. Responses
 ‘’…there is a 'fear' about what we can and cannot say on the
sites. However my classmates and I have a private page,
whereby only personally invited people can view our chats.
Very useful in my opinion.”
 “As long as confidentiality is always borne in mind, social
networking sites can be easily accessible, instantaneous
sources of education, support and reflection.”
 “I think the use of social network sites should be
considered carefully in any professional capacity as it is so
easy to put something that may cause conflict, offend or
possibly even break confidentiality”

8. Benefits
 Harnessing interaction and educational opportunities
 Increase support when on placement
 Reduce attrition
 Networking with fellow professionals

9. Risks
 Reported breaches of confidentiality
 Students are the least experienced professionally.
 Lack of understanding about privacy settings (Jones
2012)
 Lecturers time

10. Missed opportunity!!
What does it mean to uphold the reputation of the
profession at all times?
If confidentiality issues are upheld, interaction via social
media, or real life, can lead to invaluable educational
opportunities.
Increasing use of social media for professional
discussion.
Need to embrace social media – not hide from it.

11. Reference
 Jones C 2012 Social networking in the health
professions. Essentially MIDIRS (3)7; 32-36