Physiotalk: Connectedness and constructive change – An explanatory theory

Authors

  • Janet Thomas Queen Margaret University
  • Cathy Bulley Queen Margaret University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.681

Keywords:

Social media, Continuing professional development, Twitter

Abstract

Introduction

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory for UK physiotherapists and valued internationally. In an increasingly digital age social media may provide a source of up–to-date knowledge and professional development. This study aims to explore impacts of taking part in Physiotalk tweetchats on CPD and professional practice, from participants’ perspectives.

 

Methods

Stage 1 involved an online semi-structured focus group through a #physiotalk tweetchat. Questions addressed meaning and use of Physiotalk, influences on participation, and impacts on CPD and practice. Stage 2 enabled people to respond more fully through email or direct messages. Thematic analysis of tweets was undertaken.

 

Results

683 tweets were sent during 75 minutes of discussion between 73 tweeting participants. The tweet analysis resulted in themes that described a tweetchat as enabling social media skill development and engagement, facilitating ring-fenced time and structured interactions. Participants felt that chats focused on topics relevant to practice and generated a supportive, non-hierarchical international community. Participants reported that this virtual environment enabled constructive change at an individual level, such as increased confidence, broadening views and engagement with research and evidence.

 

Conclusions

The results of this Twitter focus group demonstrate that where people feel facilitated and welcomed in an online discussion forum, there is great potential for constructive change at many levels. This is, but also goes beyond, CPD for participants. Tweetchats can be promoted as a valid and freely available form of CPD, enabling international viewpoints to be shared. Networks and collaborations formed through these chats can lead to wider constructive change in practice and within the profession.

 

Summary

The benefits of tweetchats as a professional development tool should be explored by more individuals and organisations seeking skills development, as well as those trying to overcome barriers to social media engagement by students and qualified professionals

Author Biographies

Janet Thomas, Queen Margaret University

Janet Thomas MSc BSc MCSP

Lecturer

 

Janet Thomas designed the research study, analysed and interpreted the results, wrote the paper and co-hosted the tweetchat

Cathy Bulley, Queen Margaret University

Cathy Bulley BSc (Hons), PhD, MCSP, SFHEA

Reader 

Cathy Bulley designed the research study, analysed and interpreted the results and wrote the paper

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Published

2019-12-12

How to Cite

Thomas, J., & Bulley, C. (2019). Physiotalk: Connectedness and constructive change – An explanatory theory. Advanced Journal of Professional Practice, 2(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.681

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