Use of social media for the improvement of safety knowledge and awareness among Saudi Arabian phlebotomists

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of social media for the improvement of safety knowledge and awareness among phlebotomists. METHODS: As this study was intended to arrive at specific conclusions using empirical evidence, a deductive quantitative cross-sectional online survey design was adopted. A total of 521 phlebotomists participated in the survey, and 86 incomplete responders were removed, resulting in a final sample of 435 considered in this study. T-tests and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 41.6% stated that social media was very effective, and 31.5% stated that it was somewhat effective in improving safety knowledge and awareness. in addition, this study revealed no major differences between male and female participants (p > 0.05) with respect to the effectiveness of social media. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the age groups were identified in relation to the effectiveness of social media and the intention to use it in the future. CONCLUSION: Social media applications are effective for knowledge dissemination among healthcare professionals.