title: Social media for radiologists: an introduction.
abstract: Social media, which can be defined as dynamic and interactive online communication forums, are becoming increasingly popular, not only for the general public but also for radiologists. In addition to assisting radiologists in finding useful profession-related information and interactive educational material in all kinds of formats, they can also contribute towards improving communication with peers, clinicians, and patients. The growing use of social networking in healthcare also has an impact on the visibility and engagement of radiologists in the online virtual community. Although many radiologists are already using social media, a large number of our colleagues are still unaware of the wide spectrum of useful information and interaction available via social media and of the added value these platforms can bring to daily practice. For many, the risk of mixing professional and private data by using social media creates a feeling of insecurity, which still keeps radiologists from using them. In this overview we aim to provide information on the potential benefits, challenges, and inherent risks of social media for radiologists. We will provide a summary of the different types of social media that can be of value for radiologists, including useful tips on how to use them safely and efficiently.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Online social networking enhances communication and collaboration between peers • Social media facilitate access to educational and scientific information • Recommendations and guidelines from policymakers and professional organisations are needed • Applications are desired for efficient and secure exchange of medical images in social media.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, Postbus 90153, 5200 ME, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. e.ranschaert@jbz.nl.
authors.forename: Erik R
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9375-9750
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Ranschaert
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P M A
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: van Ooijen
authors.affiliation: PR & Media Department, European Society of Radiology, Neutorgasse 9, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging and Information Sciences, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Osman
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ratib
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Parizel
keywords: Internet; Radiology; Social media; Social networking; Telemedicine