How the Field of Infectious Diseases Can Leverage Digital Strategy and Social Media Use During a Pandemic

Abstract

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 in which high-quality information can save lives, it is critical that infectious diseases specialists are well versed in digital strategy to effectively disseminate information to colleagues and the community and diminish voices spreading misinformation. In this study, 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 the Infectious Diseases Society of America 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.

Keywords: digital strategy; infectious diseases; information dissemination; social media.

Figure 1.

IDSA COVID-19 Digital Strategy Response and Investment. The top panel shows 8 types of strategy used by Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) to rapidly disseminate information during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They include the following: rapid development and dissemination of guidelines for use by clinicians navigating the rapidly evolving paradigms of diagnosis, treatment, and infection prevention, redesign of the organization website with a more user-friendly interface, development of a COVID-19 twice-weekly podcast, weekly clinician press calls, weekly COVID-19 update newsletters, social media posts, infographics and visual abstracts, and Science Speaks blog posts. The bottom panel presents the facets of investment required to use this response including increased time commitment, increased person-power with recruitment of new members, and increased financial resources. These resources can largely be viewed at the COVID-19 Real-Time Learning Network (https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/).