Video Social Platforms Complement Medical Professionals’ Education: a Scoping Review

Online video social platforms, such as YouTube®, support medical professionals’ education by rendering relevant videos easily accessible by students. According to Bennett (2011,bennett.org/hsnl/), hospital social media lists more than 500 U.S. hospitals having a channel on YouTube and these same institutions have published over 50,000 videos, many of which are for medical education. In many cases, videos are much better tools for education than traditional textbooks. A comprehensive review of the literature is being conducted focusing on informational value, implementation, outcomes, unique issues, and overall benefits provided by YouTube videos for healthcare students’ education from December 2009 to February 2012. Also, a set of best-practice guidelines to improve student learning outcomes is identified. The use of Social Media in health professional’s e-learning spaces is increasing and, educators and leaders in medicine may find the beneficial use of YouTube videos in enhancing student learning, increasing synchronous student collaboration and connecting with other professionals in fields of healthcare. Overall, the review shines a light on how YouTube is currently being used in medical research and education. []