Social media use, habits and attitudes toward e-professionalism among medicine and dental medicine students: a quantitative cross-sectional study
Open accessAbstract
AIM: To describe and compare social media (SM) use habits, and attitudes of medical and dental students toward e-professionalism and to determine their opinion on potentially unprofessional behavior and posts. METHODS: In this quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire study, students of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine and those of the School of Dental Medicine completed a survey-specific questionnaire on the use of SM, SM habits, and attitudes toward e-professionalism. RESULTS: Of the 714 collected questionnaires, we analyzed 698 (411 from medical and 287 from dental students). The most commonly used SM were Facebook (99%) and Instagram (80.7%). Unprofessional content was recognized by both groups. Medical students significantly more frequently considered the posts containing patient photos (61% vs 89.8%; P<0.001), describing interaction with a patient not revealing any personal identifiable information (23% vs 41.8%; P<0.001), and containing critical comments about faculty (53% vs 39.7%; P=0.001) to be unprofessional. Dental medicine students were significantly more open to communication through SM (39.7% vs 16.3%; P<0.001), more often reported that they would accept (41.5% vs 12.2%; P<0.001), and had accepted (28.2% vs 5.6%; P<0.001) friend requests/follows/tracks from patients, and sent friend requests/follows/tracks to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Both groups were highly aware of e-professionalism. Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients, and more prone to SM interactions with patients, which might expose them to the risk of unprofessional behavior.
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TL;DR
In a cross-sectional survey of 698 medical and dental students at the University of Zagreb, social media use was nearly ubiquitous and both groups showed high awareness of e-professionalism. Dental students were more desensitized to visual patient content and more willing to interact with patients on social media, suggesting a need for e-professionalism guidelines and curriculum integration.
Key findings
- Among 698 analyzed respondents (411 medical, 287 dental), Facebook was used by 99%, Instagram by 80.7%, and YouTube by 72.1%; medical students used YouTube significantly more than dental students (76.9% vs 65.2%; P = 0.001).
- Medical students significantly more often considered patient photos (89.8% vs 61.0%; P < 0.001), patient-interaction posts without identifiable information (41.8% vs 23.0%; P < 0.001), and undisclosed advertising of pharmaceutical/health products (41.1% vs 26.8%; P < 0.001) unprofessional. Dental students significantly more often considered swearing (83.3% vs 72.0%; P = 0.001) and critical comments about faculty (53.0% vs 39.7%; P = 0.001) unprofessional.
- Dental students were more open to social media communication with patients (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001), more often would accept a patient friend request/follow (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001), had accepted one (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001), and had sent a request to a patient (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).
- Overall, 83.4% agreed professionalism online is as important as offline, but 64.2% believed their online activities did not affect them as professionals and 63.9% believed they should be able to do whatever they want online; dental students were more likely to agree with the latter (68.3% vs 60.8%; P = 0.043). Guidelines on e-professionalism were considered useful by 73.5% of medical and 81% of dental students (P = 0.018).
Methods
- Quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire study at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (UZSM) and School of Dental Medicine (UZSDM) in academic year 2018/2019, using a survey-specific questionnaire with 43 questions across seven instruments; this article reports two instruments: sociodemographic/SM habits and attitudes toward e-professionalism.
- Data were collected from October 2018 to April 2019 via the official project website/Google Forms; second- and fifth-year UZSM students and UZSDM students of all six years were invited. Participation was voluntary and anonymous; 714 questionnaires were collected, 16 excluded, and 698 analyzed (411 medical, 287 dental; response rates 69% and 49.7%).
- Medical and dental responses were compared with χ² or Fisher exact tests where appropriate; significance was set at two-tailed alpha = 0.05; analysis used SPSS version 25.0.
Limitations
- The authors state volunteer bias and limited sample selection (not all Croatian medical and dental schools were included), a convenient two-center sample, and results not generalizable to all Croatian medical/dental schools; the sample is representative only of these two schools.
- The authors also note that data collection occurred in 2019 and nearly three years passed before publication, during which new platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram Reels gained popularity; self-reporting makes the study susceptible to information and recall bias.
- Evident from the text: the cross-sectional design cannot establish causality, and only two of the questionnaire’s seven instruments are reported; no adjustment for multiple comparisons is described.
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 62 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
33.8% of students accessed social media 5 to 10 times a day.
“5 to 10 × a day | 236 (33.8) | 143 (34.8) | 93 (32.4) | 9.447, 4, 0.051”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
64.0% of students were more passive than active on social media.
“more passive than active | 447 (64.0) | 271 (65.9) | 176 (61.3) | 1.854, 2, 0.396”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
32.5% of students accessed social media more than 10 times a day.
“More than 10 × a day | 227 (32.5) | 134 (32.6) | 93 (32.4) | 9.447, 4, 0.051”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Medical students significantly more frequently used YouTube than dental students (76.9% vs 65.2%; P = 0.001).
“Medical students significantly more frequently used YouTube (76.9% vs 65.2%; P = 0.001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The two studied groups significantly differed in the willingness to confront authority on SM.
“The two studied groups significantly differed in the willingness to confront authority on SM.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
A third of respondents accessed social media more than ten times a day.
“Our respondents were heavy SM users, with 93.1% accessing daily and a third accessing more than ten times a day.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Medical and dental medicine students had similar social media habits.
“It also found that medical and dental medicine students had similar SM habits and similar attitudes toward e-professionalism.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Medical students significantly more frequently considered posts describing interaction with a patient not revealing any personal identifiable information as unprofessional (41.8% vs 23%; P < 0.001).
“those describing interaction with a patient not revealing any personal identifiable information (41.8% vs 23%; P < 0.001);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Students responded they would find guidelines about e-professionalism useful.
“As a final part of the questionnaire, students responded they would find guidelines about e-professionalism useful”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students were more open to future communication with patients through social media than medical students (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001).
“Dental students were more open to future communication with patients through SM than medical students (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts displaying membership of certain online groups dealing with controversial issues as unprofessional (38.3% vs 27.3%; P = 0.002).
“those displaying the membership of certain online groups dealing with controversial issues (38.3% vs 27.3%; P = 0.002;)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students were significantly more prone to the view that they should be allowed to do whatever they wanted online (68.3% vs 60.8%, P = 0.043).
“Dental students were significantly more prone to such views (68.3% vs 60.8%, P = 0.043).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently perceived that critical comments about faculty on SM were unprofessional (53% vs 39.7%).
“Dental students significantly more frequently perceived that critical comments about faculty (53% vs 39.7%), teaching materials, study program, school, or university (36.2% vs 25.1%) on SM were unprofessional.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently had already accepted a friend request/follow/track from patients (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001).
“had already accepted (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001) a friend request/follow/track from patients”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students more often sent friend requests, follows, or tracks to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).
“Dental medicine students were significantly more open to communication through SM (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001), more often reported that they would accept (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001), and had accepted (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001) friend requests/follows/tracks from patients, and sent friend requests/follows/tracks to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Social media were accessed predominantly by mobile phones (98.3%).
“SM were accessed predominantly by mobile phones (98.3%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Most respondents believed that posts containing overtly sexual content were unprofessional (92% dental vs 87.3% medical).
“Most respondents believed that the posts containing the following content were unprofessional: patient information (93.9% medical vs 90.9% dental), drug use (91.3% dental vs 91% medical), and overtly sexual content (92% dental vs 87.3% medical).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The majority of students (59%) used SM for both private and professional purposes.
“The majority of students (59%) used SM for both private and professional purposes”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
78.9% of respondents disagreed with limiting social media use for health professionals.
“The majority (80.1%) rejected the idea of the school controlling their online activity, and disagreed with limiting (78.9%) or completely banning (87.7%) SM use for health professionals.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Almost 40% of all students were uncertain about their plans regarding the use of social media for communication with patients when they become doctors.
“Almost 40% of all students were uncertain about their plans regarding the use of SM for communication with patients when they become doctors.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Medical and dental medicine students had similar attitudes toward e-professionalism.
“It also found that medical and dental medicine students had similar SM habits and similar attitudes toward e-professionalism.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
No dental student reported the use of a desktop computer.
“with no dental student reporting the use of a desktop computer”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Students believed that the benefits of SM use greatly outweigh the risks (59.6%).
“Our research showed that students understood the great potential of SM and believed that the benefits of SM use greatly outweigh the risks (59.6%).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Only around 28% of our respondents found this type of posts to be unprofessional.
“Only around 28% of our respondents found this type of posts to be unprofessional.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently sent friend requests/follow/track to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).
“even sent friend requests/follow/track to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Most respondents believed that posts containing drug use were unprofessional (91.3% dental vs 91% medical).
“Most respondents believed that the posts containing the following content were unprofessional: patient information (93.9% medical vs 90.9% dental), drug use (91.3% dental vs 91% medical), and overtly sexual content (92% dental vs 87.3% medical).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students were significantly more interested in the existence of guidelines about e-professionalism than medical students (73.5% vs 81%; P = 0.018).
“dental students were significantly more interested in the existence of such guidelines (73.5% vs 81%; P = 0.018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts displaying critical comments about teaching materials, study program, school, or university as unprofessional (36.2% vs 25.1%; P = 0.001).
“those displaying critical comments about teaching materials, study program, school, or university (36.2% vs 25.1%; P = 0.001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
63.9% of respondents believed they should be allowed to do whatever they wanted online.
“Just a fraction fewer (63.9%) believed they should be allowed to do whatever they wanted online.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts showing obscene gestures in photos as unprofessional (75.6% vs 65.2%; P = 0.003).
“those showing obscene gestures in photos (75.6% vs 65.2%; P = 0.003);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Only 22.3% of respondents believed that it was always possible to maintain professionalism in online activities.
“Only 22.3% of the respondents believed that it was always possible to maintain professionalism in online activities, and 64.2% believed that their online activities did not affect them as professionals.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts showing partial nudity as unprofessional (71.1% vs 63%; P = 0.027).
“those showing partial nudity (71.1% vs 63%; P = 0.027);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Just 35.8% of students acknowledged the effect of the online activity on their professionalism.
“with just 35.8% acknowledging the effect of the online activity on their professionalism.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students more often had accepted friend requests, follows, or tracks from patients (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001).
“Dental medicine students were significantly more open to communication through SM (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001), more often reported that they would accept (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001), and had accepted (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001) friend requests/follows/tracks from patients, and sent friend requests/follows/tracks to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
63.9% of students stated they should be allowed to do what they want online.
“They also stated (63.9%) that they should be allowed to do what they want online”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The majority (80.1%) of respondents rejected the idea of the school controlling their online activity.
“The majority (80.1%) rejected the idea of the school controlling their online activity, and disagreed with limiting (78.9%) or completely banning (87.7%) SM use for health professionals.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts with swearing or inappropriate language as unprofessional (83.3% vs 72%; P = 0.001).
“Dental medicine students significantly more frequently considered the following types of posts as unprofessional: posts with swearing or inappropriate language (83.3% vs 72%; P = 0.001);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students more often reported that they would accept friend requests, follows, or tracks from patients (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001).
“Dental medicine students were significantly more open to communication through SM (39.7% vs 16.3%; P < 0.001), more often reported that they would accept (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001), and had accepted (28.2% vs 5.6%; P < 0.001) friend requests/follows/tracks from patients, and sent friend requests/follows/tracks to their patients (5.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
87.7% of respondents disagreed with completely banning social media use for health professionals.
“The majority (80.1%) rejected the idea of the school controlling their online activity, and disagreed with limiting (78.9%) or completely banning (87.7%) SM use for health professionals.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
80.1% of students stated the school did not have the right to interfere with their online activity.
“and that the school did not have the right to interfere with their online activity (80.1%).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts stating opinions on controversial issues as unprofessional (38% vs 27.5%; P = 0.003).
“those stating opinions on controversial issues (38% vs 27.5%; P = 0.003);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The groups significantly differed in YouTube usage (76.9% medical vs 65.2% dental).
“The groups significantly differed in YouTube usage (76.9% medical vs 65.2% dental).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently responded that they would accept a friend request/follow/track from patients (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001).
“Dental students significantly more frequently responded that they would accept (41.5% vs 12.2%; P < 0.001)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Most respondents believed that posts containing patient information were unprofessional (93.9% medical vs 90.9% dental).
“Most respondents believed that the posts containing the following content were unprofessional: patient information (93.9% medical vs 90.9% dental), drug use (91.3% dental vs 91% medical), and overtly sexual content (92% dental vs 87.3% medical).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Social media use was ubiquitous in the studied population.
“Our study found ubiquitous SM use in the whole sample.”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
“In conclusion, social media use is ubiquitous in the studied population.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
- Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently perceived that critical comments about teaching materials, study program, school, or university on SM were unprofessional (36.2% vs 25.1%).
“Dental students significantly more frequently perceived that critical comments about faculty (53% vs 39.7%), teaching materials, study program, school, or university (36.2% vs 25.1%) on SM were unprofessional.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
64.2% of respondents believed that their online activities did not affect them as professionals.
“Only 22.3% of the respondents believed that it was always possible to maintain professionalism in online activities, and 64.2% believed that their online activities did not affect them as professionals.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Medical students significantly more frequently considered posts containing patients' photos as unprofessional (89.8% vs 61%; P < 0.001).
“Medical students significantly more frequently considered the following types of posts as unprofessional: posts containing patients' photos (89.8% vs 61%; P < 0.001);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning
Significantly more medical students believed that posting patient photographs on social media to be unprofessional.
“Significantly more medical students believed that posting patient photographs on social media to be unprofessional.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
59.0% of students used social media for personal and professional purposes.
“personal and professional | 412 (59.0) | 250 (60.8) | 162 (56.4) | 2.930, 2, 0.231”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
93.1% of respondents accessed social media daily.
“Our respondents were heavy SM users, with 93.1% accessing daily and a third accessing more than ten times a day.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Medical students significantly more frequently considered posts advertising pharmaceutical or health products without disclosing any conflict of interest as unprofessional (41.1% vs 26.8%; P < 0.001).
“those advertising pharmaceutical or health products without disclosing any conflict of interest (41.1% vs 26.8%; P < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Dental students significantly more frequently considered posts displaying critical comments about faculty as unprofessional (53% vs 39.7%; P = 0.001).
“those displaying critical comments about faculty (53% vs 39.7%; P = 0.001);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingcitation
The overall prevalence of students' unprofessional behavior was low.
“The overall prevalence of students' unprofessional behavior was low and is in line with findings from other research, where medical students generally felt they should avoid befriending patients (33).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In our study, dental students were more open to communication through SM than medical students.
“In our study, dental students were more open to communication through SM than medical students.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Both medical and dental students are aware of the standards of online professional behavior.
“Both medical and dental students are aware of the standards online professional behavior, but serious transgressions (postings of alcohol abuse, drug use, negative posts regarding persons gender/race/disability, etc) have been identified in both groups (15,16).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [15] Kenny P Johnson IG Social media use, attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of online professionalism amongst dental students. Br Dent J 2016 221 651 5 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.864 27857111
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [16] Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Serious transgressions on social media, such as postings of alcohol abuse, drug use, and negative posts regarding persons' gender, race, or disability, have been identified in both medical and dental student groups.
“Both medical and dental students are aware of the standards online professional behavior, but serious transgressions (postings of alcohol abuse, drug use, negative posts regarding persons gender/race/disability, etc) have been identified in both groups (15,16).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [15] Kenny P Johnson IG Social media use, attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of online professionalism amongst dental students. Br Dent J 2016 221 651 5 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.864 27857111
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [16] Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The digital footprint is impossible to erase because online activity is digitally recorded and stored.
“As online activity is digitally recorded and stored, the “digital footprint” is impossible to erase (8).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [8] Kumar H Raj P An indagation on experiences and awareness of digital footprint among pupils of higher education. Acad Res Int 2020 11 16 31
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Patients are increasingly active online, searching the internet for health-related information and information about health providers.
“Patients are also increasingly active online, searching the internet for health-related information and information about health providers (7).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [7] Smailhodzic E Hooijsma W Boonstra A Langley DJ Social media use in healthcare: A systematic review of effects on patients and on their relationship with healthcare professionals. BMC Health Serv Res 2016 16 442 10.1186/s12913-016-1691-0 27562728 PMC5000484
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The student population has a higher prevalence of worrying use of social media sites.
“The student population has a higher prevalence of worrying use of SM sites, and the problem was linked with lower scores of subjective well-being (9).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [9] Satici SA Facebook addiction and subjective well-being: a study of the mediating role of shyness and loneliness. Int J Ment Health Addict 2019 17 41 55 10.1007/s11469-017-9862-8
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- Premisecitation
Health care educators expressed interest and worry in matters of students' social media use and e-professionalism.
“Health care educators also expressed interest and worry in these matters (10,11).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [10] D’Souza K Henningham L Zou R Huang J O’Sullivan E Last J Attitudes of health professional educators toward the use of social media as a teaching tool: global cross-sectional study. JMIR Med Educ 2017 3 e13 10.2196/mededu.6429 28778841 PMC5562930
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- cites [11] Langenfeld SJ Vargo DJ Schenarts PJ Balancing privacy and professionalism: a survey of general surgery program directors on social media and surgical education. J Surg Educ 2016 73 e28 32 10.1016/j.jsurg.2016.07.010 27524278
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- Premisecitation
Violating ethical and legal boundaries online may result in board disciplinary proceedings, monetary fines, and even license restrictions or suspensions for health professionals.
“Professional behavior online is paramount for health professionals as violating the strict ethical and legal boundaries may result in board disciplinary proceedings, monetary fines, and even license restrictions or suspensions (4,5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [4] Greysen SR Chretien KC Kind T Young A Gross CP Physician violations of online professionalism and disciplinary actions: a national survey of state medical boards. JAMA 2012 307 1141 2 10.1001/jama.2012.330 22436951
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [5] Staud SN Kearney RC Social media use behaviors and state dental licensing boards. J Dent Hyg 2019 93 37 43 31182567
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- Study design and conductcitation
The questionnaire was internally reviewed for content validity by a multi-disciplinary expert team in the field to theoretically assess whether the domains adequately measured the research objectives.
“The questionnaire was internally reviewed for content validity by a multi-disciplinary expert team in the field (psychiatrist, sociologist, communicologist, doctor of medicine, and doctor of dental medicine) (21,22) to theoretically assess whether these domains adequately measured our research objectives (23,24).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked- cites [21] Boateng GO Neilands TB Frongillo EA Melgar-Quiñonez HR Young SL Best practices for developing and validating scales for health, social, and behavioral research: a primer. Front Public Health 2018 6 149 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00149 29942800 PMC6004510
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- cites [24] Hinkin TR A review of scale development practices in the study of organizations. J Manage 1995 21 967 88 10.1177/014920639502100509
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- Interpretationown data
The findings demonstrate a "cognitive dissonance," i.e., a discrepancy between what students thought they should do and what they thought they actually did.
“This clearly demonstrates a “cognitive dissonance,” ie, a discrepancy between what students thought they should do and what they thought they actually did (31,38).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [31] DeJong SM Benjamin S Anzia JM John N Boland RJ Lomax J Professionalism and the internet in psychiatry: what to teach and how to teach it. Acad Psychiatry 2012 36 356 62 10.1176/appi.ap.11050097 22983465
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Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients than medical students.
“Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients, and more prone to SM interactions with patients, which might expose them to the risk of unprofessional behavior.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
Behaviors and posts on SM that were considered unprofessional by our respondents were in line with previous research.
“Behaviors and posts on SM that were considered unprofessional by our respondents were in line with previous research (15,17,43).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [15] Kenny P Johnson IG Social media use, attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of online professionalism amongst dental students. Br Dent J 2016 221 651 5 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.864 27857111
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [17] Bosslet GT Torke AM Hickman SE Terry CL Helft PR The patient–doctor relationship and online social networks: results of a national survey. J Gen Intern Med 2011 26 1168 74 10.1007/s11606-011-1761-2 21706268 PMC3181288
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [43] Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Dental students were more prone to social media interactions with patients than medical students.
“Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients, and more prone to SM interactions with patients, which might expose them to the risk of unprofessional behavior.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Students often engage in unprofessional online behavior.
“Students often engage in unprofessional online behavior (18,39,40).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [18] White J Kirwan P Lai K Walton J Ross S ‘Have you seen what is on Facebook?’ The use of social networking software by healthcare professions students. BMJ Open 2013 3 e003013 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003013 23883886 PMC3731743
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [39] Finn G Garner J Sawdon M ‘You’re judged all the time!’ Students’ views on professionalism: a multicentre study: Students’ views on professionalism: a multicentre study. Med Educ 2010 44 814 25 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03743.x 20633221
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- cites [40] Neville P Waylen A Social media and dentistry: some reflections on e-professionalism. Br Dent J 2015 218 475 8 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.294 25908363
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Clear violations of professional behavior (confidentiality, falsifying credentials, and inappropriate patient communication) evoked disciplinary action by regulatory agencies such as medical boards.
“Research has shown that clear violations of professional behavior (confidentiality, falsifying credentials, and inappropriate patient communication) evoked disciplinary action by regulatory agencies such as medical boards (45).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [45] Greysen SR Johnson D Kind T Chretien KC Gross CP Young A Online professionalism investigations by state medical boards: first, do no harm. Ann Intern Med 2013 158 124 30 10.7326/0003-4819-158-2-201301150-00008 23318312
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Both medical and dental student groups were highly aware of e-professionalism.
“Both groups were highly aware of e-professionalism.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients.
“dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given
Both student groups had high awareness of e-professionalism.
“Both student groups had high awareness of e-professionalism”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
29% of dentists accepted friend requests from their patients.
“Still, 29% accepted friend requests from their patients (52).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [52] Parmar N Dong L Eisingerich AB Connecting with your dentist on Facebook: patients’ and dentists’ attitudes towards social media usage in dentistry. J Med Internet Res 2018 20 e10109 10.2196/10109 29959108 PMC6045786
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Dental students were more prone to SM patient interaction.
“and more prone to SM patient interaction”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given
This is the first study that directly compared attitudes between medical and dental students.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that directly compared attitudes between medical and dental students.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Dental students are potentially at a higher risk of unprofessional behavior.
“which potentially puts them at a higher risk of unprofessional behavior.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- May combine two claims. 25
- The quote only partly states this claim. 3
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 27
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe most commonly used social media were Facebook (99%) and Instagram (80.7%).
“The most commonly used SM were Facebook (99%) and Instagram (80.7%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataA total of 698 respondents were included in the analysis: 411 medical students and 287 dental students.
“A total of 698 respondents were included in the analysis: 411 second- and fifth-year UZSM students (response rate 69%) and 287 first- to sixth-year UZSDM students (response rate 49.7%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimThe quote only partly states this claim.
Findingown data98.3% of students used a mobile device for social media.
“mobile device | 686 (98.3) | 401 (97.6) | 285 (99.3) | 4.942, 2, 0.084”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe sample was predominantly female (73.9%), with a median age of 22.
“The sample was predominantly female (73.9%), with a median age of 22.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.
Findingown dataFacebook was the most commonly used social media platform (99%), followed by Instagram (81%) and YouTube (72%).
“Facebook was the most commonly used SM platform (99%), followed by Instagram (81%) and YouTube (72%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThe response rate was 69% for medical students and 49.7% for dental students.
“A total of 698 respondents were included in the analysis: 411 second- and fifth-year UZSM students (response rate 69%) and 287 first- to sixth-year UZSDM students (response rate 49.7%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimThe quote only partly states this claim.
PremisecitationWorrying use of social media sites is linked with lower scores of subjective well-being.
“The student population has a higher prevalence of worrying use of SM sites, and the problem was linked with lower scores of subjective well-being (9).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [9] Satici SA Facebook addiction and subjective well-being: a study of the mediating role of shyness and loneliness. Int J Ment Health Addict 2019 17 41 55 10.1007/s11469-017-9862-8
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenTo ensure anonymity, identification information was not collected.
“To ensure anonymity, identification information was not collected.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
InterpretationreasoningWith both the student and patient population being present on social media, interaction is inevitable.
“With both the student and patient population being present on SM, interaction is inevitable.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe study and the questionnaire were approved by the Ethics Committees of UZSM and UZSDM.
“The study and the questionnaire were approved by the Ethics Committees of UZSM (641-01/18-02/01) and UZSDM (05-PA-24-2/2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenDuplicated data were excluded.
“Duplicated data were excluded.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationDentistry has become more business-driven, and practitioners have to balance between clinical and commercial motives.
“Dentistry has become more business-driven, and practitioners have to balance between clinical and commercial motives (12).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] Rattan R The business of dentistry. Prim Dent J 2017 6 3 Suppl 56 9 10.1308/205016817821930935 28987155
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationSocial media use has increased among health professionals of all levels.
“Social media (SM) use has increased among health professionals of all levels (1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] Hazzam J Lahrech A Health care professionals’ social media behavior and the underlying factors of social media adoption and use: quantitative study. J Med Internet Res 2018 20 e12035 10.2196/12035 30404773 PMC6249501
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe business-driven nature of dentistry can affect students' motivation to choose the profession, which can lead to different habits and attitudes of medical and dental students on social media.
“This can affect the students' motivation to choose one of these professions, which can also lead to different habits and attitudes of medical and dental students on SM (13,14).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [13] Kobale M Klaić M Bavrka G Vodanović M Motivation and career perceptions of dental students at the School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia. Acta Stomatol Croat 2016 50 207 14 10.15644/asc50/3/2 27847393 PMC5108289
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [14] Puljak L Kraljevic JB Latas VB Sapunar D Demographics and motives of medical school applicants in Croatia. Med Teach 2007 29 e227 34 10.1080/01421590701551714 18236266
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenRespondents who indicated they were not social media users were redirected to the end of the questionnaire and their responses were not included in the analysis.
“If the respondents indicated they were not SM users, their negative response was collected, they were redirected to the end of the questionnaire, and their responses were not included in the analysis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPrevious studies have presented similar results, but these studies, besides medical and dental students, also included students from other health care professions.
“Previous studies have presented similar results, but these studies, besides medical and dental students, also included students from other health care professions (18,46).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [18] White J Kirwan P Lai K Walton J Ross S ‘Have you seen what is on Facebook?’ The use of social networking software by healthcare professions students. BMJ Open 2013 3 e003013 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003013 23883886 PMC3731743
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [46] Gettig JP Noronha S Graneto J Obucina L Christensen KJ Fjortoft NF Examining health care students’ attitudes toward e-professionalism. Am J Pharm Educ 2016 80 169 10.5688/ajpe8010169 28179718 PMC5289725
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationUnclear boundaries of personal-professional interactions have been previously documented as areas of concern for students.
“Unclear boundaries of personal-professional interactions have been previously documented as areas of concern for students (34)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [34] Flickinger TE O’Hagan T Chisolm MS Developing a curriculum to promote professionalism for medical students using social media: pilot of a workshop and blog-based intervention. JMIR Med Educ 2015 1 e17 10.2196/mededu.4886 27731846 PMC5041365
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe current generation of students considers the internet an extension of themselves.
“especially since the current generation of students considers the internet an extension of themselves (31).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [31] DeJong SM Benjamin S Anzia JM John N Boland RJ Lomax J Professionalism and the internet in psychiatry: what to teach and how to teach it. Acad Psychiatry 2012 36 356 62 10.1176/appi.ap.11050097 22983465
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningDental students' greater desensitization to visual representations of patients and greater propensity for social media interactions with patients might expose them to the risk of unprofessional behavior.
“Dental students were more desensitized to visual representations of patients, and more prone to SM interactions with patients, which might expose them to the risk of unprofessional behavior.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationSM enable students to interact professionally with peers and superiors, access educational content, and engage in positive self-promotion and marketing, all of which has been shown to be able to boost one's career.
“SM enable students to interact professionally with peers and superiors, access educational content, and engage in positive self-promotion and marketing, all of which has been shown to be able to boost one’s career (36,37).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [36] Ventola CL Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices. P&T 2014 39 491 520 25083128 PMC4103576
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [37] de Peralta TL Farrior OF Flake NM Gallagher D Susin C Valenza J The use of social media by dental students for communication and learning: two viewpoints: viewpoint 1: social media use can benefit dental students’ communication and learning and viewpoint 2: potential problems with social media outweigh their benefits for dental education. J Dent Educ 2019 83 663 8 10.21815/JDE.019.072 30910932
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationInstagram is based on fast visual exchange, and because the "older" generation of SM users has not caught on as much as the "younger" users, it is a preferred SM platform for non-professional interaction.
“Instagram is based on fast visual exchange, and because the “older” generation of SM users has not caught on as much as the “younger” users, it is a preferred SM platform for non-professional interaction (27).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [27] Piper Sandler. Taking stock with teens: 20 years of researching U.S. teens: GenZ insights. Fall 2020. Available from: http://www.pipersandler.com/private/pdf/TSWTs_Fall_2020_Full_Report.pdf. Accessed: Oct 22, 2020.
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationInstagram and YouTube are catching up fast, with their popularity growing rapidly among teenagers and young adults.
“Instagram and YouTube are catching up fast, with their popularity growing rapidly among teenagers and young adults (26).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [26] Smith A, Anderson M. Social media use in 2018. Pew Research Center internet & Technology [Internet]. 2018 March Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/03/01/social-media-use-in-2018/. Accessed: Oct 22, 2020.
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationSocial media use could be addictive.
“amplifying the concern that SM use could be addictive (3,9,30)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [3] Kircaburun K Alhabash S Tosuntaş ŞB Griffiths MD Uses and gratifications of problematic social media use among university students: a simultaneous examination of the big five of personality traits, social media platforms, and social media use motives. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020 18 525 47 10.1007/s11469-018-9940-6
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [9] Satici SA Facebook addiction and subjective well-being: a study of the mediating role of shyness and loneliness. Int J Ment Health Addict 2019 17 41 55 10.1007/s11469-017-9862-8
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [30] Andreassen CS Pallesen S Griffiths MD The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addict Behav 2017 64 287 93 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006 27072491
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisecitation40% of board members indicated that they would investigate even borderline unprofessional behavior, such as posting images of a person drinking alcohol.
“Furthermore, 40% of board members indicated that they would investigate even borderline unprofessional behavior, such as posting images of a person drinking alcohol (45).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [45] Greysen SR Johnson D Kind T Chretien KC Gross CP Young A Online professionalism investigations by state medical boards: first, do no harm. Ann Intern Med 2013 158 124 30 10.7326/0003-4819-158-2-201301150-00008 23318312
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationFacebook is the most globally used social networking site and the most commonly used website in the health care student population (66.9%-98.7%, but 98.7% in the dental student population).
“Facebook is also the most globally used social networking site, and the most commonly used website in the health care student population (66.9%-98.7%, but 98.7% in the dental student population) (15,16,18,25).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked- cites [15] Kenny P Johnson IG Social media use, attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of online professionalism amongst dental students. Br Dent J 2016 221 651 5 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.864 27857111
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [16] Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [18] White J Kirwan P Lai K Walton J Ross S ‘Have you seen what is on Facebook?’ The use of social networking software by healthcare professions students. BMJ Open 2013 3 e003013 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003013 23883886 PMC3731743
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [25] Karveleas I Kyriakouli A Koukou M Koufatzidou M Kalogirou E Tosios KI The relationship between Facebook behaviour and e-professionalism: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among Greek dental students. Eur J Dent Educ 2021 25 151 8 10.1111/eje.12585 32780448
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationSuner et al identified watching YouTube videos from the smartphone as a useful tool for educational purposes among dental students.
“Suner et al identified watching YouTube videos from the smartphone as a useful tool for educational purposes among dental students (28).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [28] Suner A Yilmaz Y Pişkin B Mobile learning in dentistry: usage habits, attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate students. PeerJ 2019 7 e7391 10.7717/peerj.7391 31392099 PMC6673424
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationDental students are more exposed to visual representations during their studies, which could make them more desensitized to such content.
“Dental students are also more exposed to visual representations during their studies, which could make them more desensitized to such content (44).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [44] Leela A Latt SS Afrose T Kynn I Preferred teaching methods by medical and dental students of a private university: the students’ perception. The International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering & Multidisciplinary Physical Sciences. 2018 6 106 1
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationChretien et al listed two main reasons why medical students use SM: to access information and a platform for advocacy, and secondary to take control of their digital footprint, and to achieve a sense of equalization within the medical hierarchy.
“Chretien et al (47) listed two main reasons why medical students use SM: to access information and a platform for advocacy, and secondary to take control of their digital footprint, and to achieve a sense of equalization within the medical hierarchy.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [47] Chretien KC Kind T Climbing social media in medicine’s hierarchy of needs. Acad Med 2014 89 1318 20 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000430 25076202
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationJafarey et al found that 62% of the students believed it was acceptable to befriend patients.
“Contrary to this, Jafarey et al found that 62% of the students believed it was acceptable to befriend patients (49).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [49] Jafarey A Shekhani SMohsin-E-Azam, Gill R, Shirazi B, Hassan M, et al Physicians in cyberspace: Finding boundaries. Asian Bioeth Rev 2016 8 272 89 10.1353/asb.2016.0023
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationThere is distinction between disseminating guidelines and formally integrating SM instruction into the medical curricula.
“There is distinction between disseminating guidelines and formally integrating SM instruction into the medical curricula (43).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [43] Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataAs a result of these study findings, the first guidelines for medical and dental students in Croatian have been published and a new elective subject had been developed.
“As a result of these study findings, the first guidelines for medical and dental students in Croatian have been published (58) and a new elective subject (within each respective school curriculum) had been developed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [58] Relic D Vukusic Rukavina T Marelic M Machala Poplasen L Viskic J Jokic D Smjernice za poticanje razvoja e-profesionalizma tijekom studija medicine i dentalne medicine. Medix. 2020 144/145 Suppl 3 1 8
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationRecent findings indicate that students should be included in the development of guidelines and that the guidelines should address befriending patients and having a separate professional profile.
“In spite of this, recent findings indicate that students should be included in the development of guidelines (33) and that the guidelines should address befriending patients and having a separate professional profile.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [33] George DR Navarro AM Stazyk KK Clark MA Green MJ Ethical quandaries and Facebook use: How do medical students think they (and their peers) should (and would) act? AJOB Empir Bioeth 2014 5 68 79 10.1080/23294515.2013.864344
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn traditional relations, a professional separation between doctors and patients is more easily maintained, whereas on SM this border can be vague.
“In traditional relations, a professional separation between doctors and patients is more easily maintained, whereas on SM this border can be vague (48,49).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [48] Chretien KC Farnan JM Greysen SR Kind T To friend or not to friend? Social networking and faculty perceptions of online professionalism. Acad Med 2011 86 1545 50 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3182356128 22030752
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [49] Jafarey A Shekhani SMohsin-E-Azam, Gill R, Shirazi B, Hassan M, et al Physicians in cyberspace: Finding boundaries. Asian Bioeth Rev 2016 8 272 89 10.1353/asb.2016.0023
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPracticing doctors usually have a more ethical and professional approach to online interaction, while younger generations have less sense of a hierarchy and see the internet as an equalizer that opens doors.
“Practicing doctors usually have a more ethical and professional approach to online interaction, while younger generations have less sense of a hierarchy and see the internet as an equalizer that opens doors (50).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [50] Devi S Facebook friend request from a patient? Lancet 2011 377 1141 2 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60449-2 21465700
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Study design and conductreasoningThe study has volunteer bias and limited sample selection (not all medical and dental schools in Croatia were included), so results may not be generalizable to all medical and dental schools in Croatia.
“Limitations of this study are volunteer bias and limited sample selection (not all medical and dental schools in Croatia were included). Thus, the results may not be generalizable to all the medical and dental schools in Croatia.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationParmar et al found that 44% of patients were happy to be contacted by their dentists on SM, while 74% of dentists agreed that friendships with patients on SM were inappropriate.
“Parmar et al found that 44% of patients were happy to be contacted by their dentists on SM, while 74% of dentists agreed that friendships with patients on SM were inappropriate.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [52] Parmar N Dong L Eisingerich AB Connecting with your dentist on Facebook: patients’ and dentists’ attitudes towards social media usage in dentistry. J Med Internet Res 2018 20 e10109 10.2196/10109 29959108 PMC6045786
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoningOur study is susceptible to information and recall bias as it was based on students' self-reporting.
“Our study is susceptible to information and recall bias as it was based on students' self-reporting.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThe sample is representative only of the students of these two schools because the study had a large response rate and the sample matched age and gender distribution of the population.
“The sample is representative only of the students of these two schools because the study had a large response rate and the sample matched age and gender distribution of the population.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationA decade ago, US medical schools recognized the lack of policies related to SM use, but since then, schools have developed specific SM guidelines.
“A decade ago, US medical schools recognized the lack of policies related to SM use (53), but since then, schools have developed specific SM guidelines (54-56).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked- cites [53] Kind T Genrich G Sodhi A Chretien KC Social media policies at US medical schools. Med Educ Online 2010 15 5324 10.3402/meo.v15i0.5324 20859533 PMC2941429
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- cites [54] Gay S. Social Media Policy. 2019 Jul 09. School of Medicine: Social Media Guidance for Medical Students. 2019 Sep. [Internet]. Nottingham: University of Nottingham; 2018. Available from: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/about/policies-and-forms/index.aspx. Accessed: Accessed: Oct 22, 2020.
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [55] Indiana University School of Medicine. Guidelines for the use of Online social networks for medical students and physicians in training: social media IUSM-GME-PO-0031. Indiana School of Medicine; 2018. Available from: https://www.iupuc.edu/social-media/guidelines/index.html. Accessed: Accessed: Oct 22, 2020.
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [56] The Massachusetts Medical Society House of Delegates. Physicians and Social Media Principles, Guidelines, and Best Practices: Report No.: 109, A-11 (A). The Massachusetts Medical Society; 2011. p. 12. [cited 2020 Oct 22]. Available from: http://www.massmed.org/Physicians/Legal-and-Regulatory/Social-Media-Guidelines-for-Physicians/#.X4g0H-2xVEY. Accessed: Oct 22, 2020.
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationIn a UK study, dental undergraduate students believed that given that dentistry was a business, different expectations regarding SM use were placed on dental students compared with medical students.
“Similarly, in a UK study, dental undergraduate students believed that given that dentistry was a business, different expectations regarding SM use were placed on dental students compared with medical students (51).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [51] Gormley M, Collins L, Schofield S, Neville P. Exploring the impact of digital professionalism awareness training on dental undergraduate students. Eur J Dent Educ. 2020;eje.12601. 32949078
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
No studies so far directly compared medical and dental student populations on social media habits and attitudes toward e-professionalism.
“No studies so far directly compared these two student populations.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Students, although not yet health professionals, should obey the same ethical and professional rules as health professionals do.
“Although students are not yet health professionals, they should obey the same ethical and professional rules as health professionals do.”
The paper relies on this without support.
There exist no guidelines or widespread awareness of e-professionalism issues in the Croatian health care system, and students were not informed of these problems.
“As the concept of e-professionalism is new to the Croatian health care system (both education and practice), there exist no guidelines or widespread awareness of these issues, and students were not informed of these problems.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Students of dental medicine are less sensitive in response to visual representations of patients on SNSs, even if they reveal patient information, than medical students.
“Results from research show students of dental medicine are less sensitive in response to visual representations of patients on SNSs, even if they reveal patient information, than medical students [13].”
From Differences between doctors of medicine and dental medicine in the perception of professionalism on social networking sites: the development of the e-professionalism assessment compatibility index (ePACI) (2022) · cites this paper as [13]
The Results (Table 3; page not provided) show that fewer dental than medical students considered patient photos on social media unprofessional (61.0% versus 89.8%), supporting the comparison about visual representations. But the paper assesses posts displaying patient information separately; it does not establish that the difference persists when the photos reveal patient information. (LLM, conf=0.89)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSeveral studies, including the current results, have reported the first two items as being the highest ranked in the perception of unprofessional behaviour.
“Several studies, including our current results, have reported the first two items as being the highest ranked in the perception of unprofessional behaviour [12, 13, 57].”
The perception of e-professional behaviour of the study group is very similar to that in previous research involving the student population and practising HCPs.
“The perception of e-professional behaviour of our study group is very similar to that in previous research, both from our group involving the student population [13], as well as other authors’ research on practising HCPs [12].”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Abstract attributes faculty-criticism result to the wrong group
MajorThe abstract says medical students more frequently considered critical comments about faculty unprofessional and gives 53% versus 39.7%. Table 3 assigns 53.0% to dental students and 39.7% to medical students.
“and containing critical comments about faculty (53% vs 39.7%; P = 0.001) to be unprofessional.”
“| Critical comments about faculty | 315 (45.1) | 163 (39.7) | 152 (53.0) | 12.076, 1, 0.001 |”
Overall percentage for an image of a person drinking alcohol is incorrect
MinorTable 3 reports 195 of 698 students as 74.5%. That count represents approximately 27.9%, consistent with the percentages shown for the two student groups.
Reported 74.5 · recomputed 27.936963
“| Image of a person drinking alcohol | 195 (74.5) | 114 (27.7) | 81 (28.2) | 0.020, 1, 0.888 |”
Dental percentage for posts showing misdemeanors is incorrect
MinorTable 3 reports 254 dental students as 83.5%, but the dental sample contains 287 students. The percentage is approximately 88.5%.
Reported 83.5 · recomputed 88.501742
“| Posts showing misdemeanors | 618 (88.5) | 364 (88.6) | 254 (83.5) | 0.001, 1, 0.980 |”
Results reverse the groups' interest in guidelines
MinorThe results say dental students were more interested but list 73.5% before 81%. The discussion explicitly assigns 73.5% to medical students and 81% to dental students.
“dental students were significantly more interested in the existence of such guidelines (73.5% vs 81%; P = 0.018).”
“Students stated they would find guidelines about e-professionalism useful (73.5% medical vs 81% dental students).”
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References 54 · Cited by 24
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- [43]Barlow CJ Morrison S Stephens HO Jenkins E Bailey MJ Pilcher D Unprofessional behaviour on social media by medical students. Med J Aust 2015 203 439 10.5694/mja15.00272 26654611 · DOI · Paper page
- Authors
- Viskić, J., Jokić, D., Marelić, M., Machala Poplašen, L., Relić, D., Sedak, K., & Vukušić Rukavina, T.
- Affiliations
- University of Zagreb (HR)
- Catholic University of Croatia (HR)
- Venue
- Croatian Medical Journal
- Publisher
- Croatian Medical Journals
- Published
- 2021-12
- Volume
- 62
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 569-579
- ISSN
- 0353-9504 (ISSN-L)
- 1332-8166
- PMC
- PMC8771237
- OpenAlex
- W4206859857
- Semantic Scholar
- 5318d8d2d657a122c9bc87fb21e2968a7eb3a3bd
- Cited by
- 24
- References
- 54
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 2.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- Croatian Medical Journal (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Social Media in Health Education
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Innovations in Medical Education
- Keywords
- social media use, e-professionalism, medical students, dental students, unprofessional behavior, patient privacy, physician-patient communication, Instagram, Facebook
- MeSH terms
- Professionalism, Attitude, Cross-Sectional Studies, Habits, Humans, Students, Medical, Social Media
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