02281nas a2200301 4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653001300076653002300089100001600112700002300128700001400151700001200165700001600177700001500193700001200208700001600220700001100236700001400247700001400261700001500275700001100290700001400301245011000315856010000425520144000525022001401965 2021 d bOxford University Press (OUP) 10 aOncology 10 aClinical Neurology 1 aMarcelin JR 1 aCortés-Penfield N 1 adel Rio C 1 aDesai A 1 aEchenique I 1 aGranwehr B 1 aLawal F 1 aKuriakose K 1 aLee DH 1 aMalinis M 1 aRuidera D 1 aSiddiqui J 1 aSpec A 1 aSwartz TH 00 aHow the field of infectious diseases can leverage digital strategy and social media use during a pandemic uhttps://academic.oup.com/ofid/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/ofid/ofab027/35924019/ofab027.pdf 3 aAbstract
Rapid information dissemination is critical in a world changing rapidly due to global threats. Ubiquitous internet access has created new methods of information dissemination that are rapid, far-reaching, and universally accessible. However, inaccuracies may accompany rapid information dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of primary data through various forms of peer review is crucial. In an era where high quality information can save lives, it is critical that infectious diseases specialists are well-versed in digital strategy in order to effectively disseminate information to colleagues and the community and diminish voices spreading misinformation. Here we review how social media can be used for rapid dissemination of quality information, benefits and pitfalls of social media use, and general recommendations for developing a digital strategy as an infectious diseases specialist. We will describe how IDSA has leveraged digital strategy and social media and how individuals can amplify these resources to disseminate information, provide clinical knowledge, community guidance, and build their own person brand. We conclude in providing guidance to infectious diseases specialists in aiming to build and preserve public trust, consider their audience and specific goals, and use social media to highlight the value of the field of infectious diseases. a2328-8957