Social Media and Learning in Anaesthesia and Critical Care T Heaton, J Weeks Introduction: The ‘Free Open Access Medical Education’ (FOAMed) m ovement has seen the development of a wide range of websites driving forward evidence based clinical practice, particularly in the fields of Critical Care and Em ergency Medicine . Use of social m edia form ats have promoted open discussion, especially in of controversial areas, new studies, and hum an factors in medicine. These discussions have occurred through a variety of media, including blogs, podcasts and Twitter. 1-3 Methods: The field of anaesthesia has so far been under -represented in this approach to clinical discussion and medical education. To this end we started an online journal club and blog, rapidsequence.org.uk, to act as a focal point for discussion on important areas of both Anaesthetic and Critical Care practice, including critical appraisal of new literature and its potential effects on clinical practice . We used the Weebly website builder to construct the online profile and post regular ‘blogs’ on topics of personal interest and current relevance . 4 5 Results: At the time of writing, rapidsequence.org.uk has a total of 22 blog posts, 3 forum threads and the site has had 11,850 page views from 8,553 unique visitors. The blog has covered a wide range of topics including NAP5, major trials such as ENIGMA II, society guidelines, smaller studies and interesting cases. Conclusion: The social media platform represents a fantastic new approach to education and professional development in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, as well as other medical specialties. Through blogs such as rapidsequence.org.uk, as well as parallel use of established social m edia platforms, such as Twitter, WhatsApp and Google+, key topics can be analysed and discussed at a time that is convenient to the participant. There are many challenges faced with such projects, including m aintaining participation and interest, ensuring professional boundaries are maintained, and the risk of being accused of wasting time of already busy clinicians . We feel rapidsequence.org.uk provides an example of how social m edia can provide an alternative approach to the traditional journal club and augment professional developm ent in an easily accessible way to busy anaesthetic and critical care trainees. We hope to continue to improve engagement through ties with other regional groups and through the promotion of interesting material. 6,7 References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. www.stemlynsblog.org. Accessed 10/1/2015 www.lifeinthefastlane.com. Accessed 10/1/2015 www.wessexics.com/The_Bottom_Line. Accessed 10/1/2015 www.rapidsequence.org.uk. Accessed 10/1/2015 www.weebly.com. Accessed 10/1/2015 6. DeCamp M, Cunnigham AM. Social Media: The Way Forward or a Waste of Tim e for Clinicians? J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2013; 43:318–22 7. General Medical Council. GMC/DUSM/1114. Doctor’s Use of Social Media. 2013 Authors Dr Tom Heaton, CT2 Anaesthetics Trainee, North West Deanery tomheaton@doctors.org.uk Dr John Weeks, CT2 Anaesthetics Trainee, North West Deanery weeks.johnr@gmail.com