Social Media in Pediatric Rehabilitation Research: Affordances of Facebook and Twitter for Knowledge Translation

Abstract

This study examines the affordances of Facebook and Twitter as knowledge translation tools in pediatric rehabilitation and potentially other fields of research. Findings from content and discourse analyses of a private Facebook group and public Twitter account suggest that social media facilitate engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. Implementation of dialogic communication principles on Twitter increases the exposure, reach, and engagement of a network. Establishing an online community on Facebook develops a common understanding of issues, builds relationships and promotes stakeholder involvement in research. By acknowledging the affordances of the two social media platforms, researchers can consider using Twitter for end-of-grant KT and Facebook groups for integrated knowledge translation.

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