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Review
. 2021;10(4):105-111.
doi: 10.1007/s13671-021-00350-5. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Social Media and Clinical Research in Dermatology

Ryan Geist  1 , Michelle Militello  2 , J Mark Albrecht  3 , Colby L Presley  4 , Jaclyn B Anderson  5   6 , Melissa Laughter  5 , Chandler W Rundle  7
Affiliations
Review

Social Media and Clinical Research in Dermatology

Ryan Geist et al. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2021.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The immense growth of social media has afforded new opportunities in dermatology clinical research. This review serves to outline how social media has impacted clinical research and to explore future avenues for which social media can make a significant impact in dermatology clinical research.

Recent findings: Recent clinical trials augmented by social media have demonstrated increased participant enrollment, shortened recruitment timelines, and decreased recruitment cost. The incorporation of social media into clinical research has also afforded greater access to teledermatology and the initiation of virtual clinical trials.

Summary: Clinical research serves as a primary source of evidence for refining healthcare practices by expanding the understanding of patient demographics, methods for improving patient care, and new therapeutic discoveries. Since its initiation, social media has played an integral and ever-expanding role in clinical research.

Keywords: Clinical research; Clinical trials; Facebook; Social media; Twitter.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestNone.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PubMed search of “dermatology” and “social media”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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