This study aims to evaluate the utility of social media to distribute a patient survey on differences in management and outcomes of monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies.
A cross-sectional survey was posted to an English-language MCDA twins patient-centered support group within the social media site, Facebook from April 2, 2018 to June 26, 2018. Subjects were recruited through a technique called “snowballing,” whereby individuals shared the survey to assist with recruiting. Patient reported data were analyzed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis’s tests to explore characteristics associated with surveillance and outcomes as related to region and provider type.
Over 3 months, the post “reached” 14,288 Facebook users, among which 5,653 (40%) clicked on the post. A total of 2,357 respondents with MCDA pregnancies completed the survey. Total 1,928 (82%) were from the United States (US) and 419 (18%) from other countries. Total 85% of patients had co-management with maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), more in the US compared with the rest of the world (87 vs. 74%, < 0.01). MFM involvement led to increased adherence to biweekly ultrasounds (91 vs. 65%, < 0.01), diagnosis of monochorionicity by 12 weeks (74 vs. 69%, < 0.01) and better education about twin-twin transfusion syndrome (90 vs. 66%, < 0.01). Pregnancies with MFM involvement had a higher take-home baby rate for both babies (92 vs. 89%, < 0.01) or for at least one baby (98 vs. 93%, < 0.01) compared with those without MFM involvement.
A survey distributed via social media can be effective in evaluating real-life management and outcomes of an uncommon obstetrical diagnosis. This survey elucidates wide international variation in adherence to guidelines, management, and outcomes.
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
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