Virtual Elective Social Media and Population Health. An International Collaboration To Explore Public Health

Project Duration

Three months.

Project Staff

• P.Procter, Sheffield Hallam
• J.Brixey, Texas
• M.Honey, Auckland
• F.Todhunter, Nottingham

Background

This social media activity was designed to help prepare nurses for their professional career in a global environment where collaboration will be valuable to resolve population health issues.

Aim

This development enabled explorative exchange amongst students in three countries, enhancing their understanding of their own and the selected international population health needs and solutions through asking and responding to questions amongst the learning community involved.

Method

Participant methodology.

Stages of Development

• Exploratory pilot project three months
• Nursing students from each of four sites Collaborating through a closed Facebook site
• Data Collection & Analysis: Quantitative methods were used to analyse student demographics and patterns of Facebook usage
• Content analysis was used to determine themes and trend in the postings to determine the student’s understanding of local and international population health needs
• Student feedback to understand students’ perceptions of engaging in this virtual exchange