Educating trainees through social media – the Resident and Fellow Section Social Media Initiative. (4317)

Objective: To describe the use of social media by the Resident and Fellow Section (RFS) of Neurology to expand and engage readers in research and educational content. Background: Social media is used by medical journals to disseminate health research [1], a practice more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering educational materials and engaging readership through social media may also be used to educate trainees. Design/Methods: In January 2019, the RFS developed and implemented a strategy for disseminating educational materials through Instagram. The initiative expanded to Facebook and Twitter in January 2020 and February 2020, respectively. Each post highlighted a recent RFS publication, summarized the key teaching point, and included key images and/or videos when appropriate. In June 2020, posts were expanded to include interactive quizzes to maximize audience engagement. Posts were shared in the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) social media accounts. Reach and readership engagement were measured by tracking social media account users and average engagement. Results: From January 2019 to October 2020, 70 posts were delivered across three social media platforms: 54 were Teaching (Video) NeuroImages, 6 Pearls and Oy-sters, 7 e-Pearls, 2 Mystery Cases, and 1 Child Neurology post. Over this time, social media followers increased on all platforms: 312.5% on Instagram, 12.9% on Twitter, 10% on Facebook. On Twitter, there was an increase in impressions (74.5%), engagements (121%), and post link clicks (38.7%). On Facebook, there was a 34.6% increase in total engagements. Overall, teaching Video NeuroImages produced the highest level of engagement. Posts with polls and/or quizzes were well received by audience on all platforms and also received high levels of participation. Conclusions: The RFS successfully used social media to increase visibility of trainee publications and deliver educational content. Content with interactivity (e.g., quizzes) and that included patient videos tended to produce the most engagement. Disclosure: Dr. Nascimento has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Nascimento has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Team Member with Neurology RFS that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. The institution of Dr. Zea Vera has received research support from American Brain Foundation, Tourette Association of America, American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Hurford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Delgado-Garcia has received research support from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (Mexico). Dr. Delgado-Garcia has received research support from Programa Universitario de Investigacion en Salud (UNAM). Dr. Delgado-Garcia has received research support from Fundacion Carlos Slim. Dr. Fu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aamodt has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Neurology. Madeleine Sendek has nothing to disclose. Ms. Bradshaw has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Kaplan. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Monteris Medical, Inc. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novocure. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Alpha Omega Alpha.