Social media usage by the anesthesiology residents for educational purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic era

Aim: After the declaration of the pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 has caused a far-reaching change that is difficult to adapt to in formal medical education. In the educational process, it may have led the anesthesiology residents to complete their deficiencies with alternative learning options. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in social media usage habits of anesthesia residents for academic and educational purposes during the pandemic era. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 with voluntary participation of anesthesiology residents using an online self-administered Google forms software-based questionnaire consisting of twenty questions. Results: There was an increase in the use of social media for academic development in 39.7% of anesthesiologists (Group 1), no change in 45.5% (Group2), and a decrease in 14.8% (Group 3) during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. In the comparison between the groups, those who have heard the announcements of national and international electronic scientific meetings from social media (p=0.016) were found to be significantly higher in Group 1. Also, the number of participants whose frequency of attending electronic scientific meetings was significantly higher in Group 1(p=0.005). The rate of Instagram and Youtube usage was also found to be significantly higher in Group 1 (p= 0.046 and p<0.001, respectively). Discussion: During the pandemic period, medical education and residency training programs through social media have enabled many people who are against social media to get closer to social media and use it effectively.