If my computer desktop were a physical space, it would be cluttered with sticky notes adorned with my chicken scratched writing. If documents, guidelines, toolkits, notes, ideas, best practices, and research articles were in a pile on my desk, it would stack to the ceiling. I hadn’t given it much thought actually because it isn’t physical, or taking up any space really.
For my seventeen years as a health professional with Alberta Health Services I have saved information in word documents, downloaded files, folders of information labelled “resources” or literally, digital sticky notes. I regret to admit sometimes I email myself something so I know I can find it easily. Then I was introduced to the concept of digital curation spaces in MHST 601 within the first few weeks of class, as a way of cataloguing information, and having access to it easier. I believe this will be an ongoing journey, but I’m taking steps forward. I now choose carefully which information to save within google docs on google drive, but also have a Raindrop account to digitally bookmark and catalogue online content more efficiently, and a Mendeley account to help catalogue and save academic references.
But how can you ensure that the information you share through a curation tool as a health professional is credible? Patrick et al. (2019, p.126-127) discuss red flags to watch for when curating online content. Things like identifying the author, any conflicts of interest, biases, outdated information, miracle claims or lack of evidence.
Checking the author or source’s credentials, and the type of evidence cited or study design, can help to assess whether the information is accurate and credible prior to sharing it. It also goes on to share some ideas for curating quality content, which will engage the audience, whether it be other health professionals you are sharing with, or clients/patients. Some suggestions they include are:
- to stay up on latest news or emerging trends, by using something like google alerts or twitter trends
- share content by other experts in your field;
- don’t be shy to add your own opinions on the information you are sharing in the form of thoughtful and professional commentary;
- summarize key points of health information or evidence based literature; add visuals to add visual elements for complex topics;
- generate conversations by asking questions to your audience
and
- raise awareness on topics, campaigns, programs or local health issues that are important to you
(Patrick et al., 2019, p. 140-142)
Social media, and content curation can have a powerful role in sharing quality health information with a variety of audiences. Staying organized and being critical of the information you share are keys to success in the digital world.
References
Patrick, M. D., & Nuss, K. E. (2019). Social media for medical professionals: strategies for successfully engaging in an online world. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
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