title: Use of a secure social media platform to facilitate reflection in a residency program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reflective writing is used to promote learning and professional growth in medical education. Sharing reflections with peers and supervisors facilitates feedback that enhances understanding.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We explored the feasibility of using a secure social media platform to share reflections and promote reflective discussions in an emergency medicine residency program.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective pilot investigation evaluated with a poststudy opinion survey. Reflective discussions were also described using basic quantitative and qualitative methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2-month, voluntary, pilot study included 21 faculty and 36 residents. Faculty posted reflections and replies (n  =  146) more frequently than residents did (n  =  48). Survey data suggested both groups found the platform engaging and easy to use, valued the security of the platform, and felt the conversations were valuable to their professional development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secure social media offers a feasible option for sharing reflections and facilitating reflective discussions in medical education.
authors.forename: Aaron W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Nicholas E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Kman
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Way
authors.forename: Sorabh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khandelwal
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Gorgas