Using Twitter
Introduction Twitter is a microblogging site that lets you send short updates or 'Tweets' to let your followers know what you're up to. Great for staying up to date with current events, breaking news and the latest trends.
Why use Twitter Means you can engage directly with all stakeholder groups Improve staff engagement Stay in touch with other Trusts Manage relationships Share best practice with other Trusts and experts
What are Tweets Tweets are short comments you post on your profile for your followers and the world to see. You only get 140 characters to say what you want. Speak directly to other users or tell the world
How to Tweet 'Tweet' is a post 'Mention' use @ to mention another user 'Twitter handle' Your username 'DM' is a direct message - inmail 'RT' is a ReTweet – repost a comment 'Hash tag' #healthcare 'Tweet' is an update you post on your profile in no more than 140 characters. 'Mention' is a way of connecting with other Twitter users to include them in the conversation. You connect using @ and then their Twitter handle (@southern_nhsft) 'Twitter handle' is your username 'southern_NHSFT' 'DM' is a direct message. You can send these if you don't want everyone to see you're conversation. 'RT' is a ReTweet, you can use this to repeat what another user has posted. There is also a button to retweet posts. 'Hash tag' makes your comment viewable to anyone who also searches for that tag. It's a great way of increasing your followers and finding discussions on interesting topics. e.g #dementia will make your post visible to users searching for that tag.
Example Our very own super nurse Margaret Topping, shortlisted for the @MSTrust My Super Nurse awards http://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/news/my-super-nurse-awards/ … #MSAwarenessweek (135 characters) – all links 22 characters
Who sees my posts A Tweet – everyone A Mention – everyone Direct message – user only Hashtag – everyone and anyone who searches that tag Private profile – you can keep your tweets private, but this makes it difficult to engage new followers Twitter makes the world a smaller place by allowing you to connect to anyone and everyone. If you know their Twitter handle, you can mention them in your Tweet to get your attention. Generally, your tweets can be seen by anyone. If you've used a hash tag to promote your comment, you've just broadened your audience to the whole world. You can keep your posts private, which means you'll get to approve who will see your posts. If you want to do this, update your Twitter settings.
Be safe online Personal details Audience Laws Policy Information Governance Compliance Policy (SH IG 17) Data Protection, Caldicott & Confidentiality Policy (SH IG 18) Internet and Email Acceptable Use Policy (IG 1) Bullying and Harassment Policy (SH HR 10) Social media is protected by law. Laws surrounding harassment, discrimination, defamation and confidentiality still apply online and are taken very seriously. Whether your profile is restricted or not, you can't post something that: Brings the Trust into disrepute Breaches patient or service user confidentiality May be considered as harassment or bullying Promotes illegal acts Involves threats or violence Promotes racial or religious hatred or unfair discrimination