The Women Physiatrists Facebook group: evaluating the value of a private online community.

Capizzi, Allison N; Larson, Allison R; Silver, Julie K; Verduzco-Gutierrez, Monica

ABSTRACT This study evaluated Women Physiatry Facebook group members' perceptions of the value of an online community. The authors hypothesized members would find the group protective against burnout, and early career participants would be more likely to utilize the group for education and networking. This was a cross-sectional survey study of women physicians in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) primarily in the United States (U.S.). The survey consisted of 51 questions covering demographic information, work/life satisfaction, and physician burnout.There were 310 respondents. Those at an earlier career stage accessed the Women Physiatrists Facebook page significantly more often (p=0.038). Most respondents were neutral regarding the group reducing burnout. Across all career stages, the group was most often utilized as an educational tool to review patient cases (82.2%). Mid to late-career members were more likely to use the group to learn about maintenance of certification (MOC) or continuing medical education (CME) requirements (p=0.019) and searching for a physiatrist in another part of the county (p=0.016). This study suggests closed Facebook groups can be useful educational tools across career stages.