Social Media and Clinicians: Interview with Deb Halligan, RN, BSN, CCDS

In a new article series in EP Lab Digest^®, we are speaking with various EP clinicians who have more recently joined Twitter. These feature interviews will describe their thoughts on joining the social media site, what their experience has been like, and any tips that can be offered to other clinicians who might be considering joining social media. In following issues we will be speaking with Dr. Suneet Mittal (@drsuneet) and Dr. Pasquale Santangeli (@Dr_Santangeli). In the first installment of this interview series, we’re speaking with Deb Halligan, RN, BSN, CCDS, Clinical Leader of the Pacemaker/ICD Clinic at North Shore Medical Center in Salem, Massachusetts. She can be found on Twitter at @debhalligan.

When did you first join Twitter? What were your reasons for joining?

I joined Twitter over a year ago and never utilized it. One evening while watching “The Biggest Loser”, I logged on to Twitter to see if anyone else was reacting to the finale, and I was blown away: there were thousands of tweets in a matter of moments! I was amazed at the instant connection and the power of social media. After attending Heart Rhythm 2014, I decided to utilize Twitter on a professional level to connect with the EP community.

How often do you contribute to Twitter? How much time would you say you spend on Twitter? 

I’m still figuring out how to use it! I’ve had about 30 tweets, as responses to other tweets or retweeting interesting data and research. 

Do you mainly utilize a mobile phone, laptop or tablet when using Twitter? 

I typically utilize a mobile phone.

What have been some of the main challenges so far in managing a Twitter account? What aspects of Twitter do you enjoy? 

There is definitely a bit of a learning curve with Twitter. I sat down with my 15-year-old neighbor for a tutorial. I probably sound like I’m dating myself, but the teenagers of today are far more savvy with social media!

Are you also involved with other social media such as Facebook or a blog?

I’ve been on Facebook since 2009, and utilize that for sharing with friends and family. I also run a Facebook page for the Defibrilladies, our active women’s support group at North Shore Medical Center. 

What kind of content do you usually share on Twitter? What “hot” EP topics do you find are currently or most often trending on Twitter? 

I retweet or favorite anything I find on remote monitoring. I’ve been a champion for wireless remote monitoring since 2009. I want to use social media to get the word out that all monitors are not created equally, and that industry must improve the quality and connectivity of monitors. Most monitors are created on an analog system. However, landlines are disappearing. Based on Dr. Mittal’s recent study, it is imperative that we provide seamless remote monitoring, as it serves a mortality benefit.

What Twitter feeds do you enjoy following? 

Anything related to implantable devices and their care management. I especially like @HugoOC, an “ePatient on a quest for access to the data collected by my implantable cardiac defibrillator. Passionate about connected health.” (quote from his Twitter page).

Who serves as your social media “mentors”? How has working with other social media pioneers allowed you to refine your online presence?

Since I’m still learning the basics and “lurking” to find the best ways of communicating my message, I would probably say my 15-year-old neighbor would currently be considered my social media mentor!

What steps do you take to safeguard privacy and protect yourself legally? Does your hospital have a social media policy in place for employees?

My employer does have a policy that strictly forbids discussing workplace issues. I checked with marketing, and tweeting about best practice and seeking best practice do not fall under that umbrella.

What advice you can offer to other clinicians who might be considering joining? What do those who are starting out need to know? 

I love having data access so quickly and effortlessly. I think this is the start of something very powerful. We are connecting health care professionals with patient advocates. We are having conversations that can change the landscape we work in. 

What considerations should a clinician keep in mind when maintaining an online presence?

Never discuss patient information. Never discuss workplace issues. Be careful of tone. Most importantly, getting your point across in 140 characters requires thought. I’m still learning this!