Utilization of Institutional Social Media Accounts Across the Pharmacy Academy
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-17-2026
Keywords
fsc2026
Abstract
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess social media use in pharmacy education, including its role in communication, student engagement, professional development, and public outreach.
Methods:
This is a descriptive study utilizing a survey distributed via outreach through social media. All Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited schools of pharmacy with findable, active Instagram accounts were invited by direct message to take part in an anonymous 24-question survey (n=128). Descriptive statistics were applied as appropriate.
Results:
Data collected from 41 ACPE-accredited institutions (42% private, 58% public) highlights that Instagram (97%) and Facebook (97%) are the most utilized platforms for driving goals. Findings indicate that while most schools who responded maintain official accounts, management varies significantly between pharmacy faculty (21%), dedicated staff (56%), and institutional marketing departments (24%). Survey results reveal that although a majority of programs view a digital presence as essential to their success, many operate without a formal operating budget (65%) or a specialized social media committee (79%). The primary goals are focused on student recruitment (97%), student sense of connectedness/belonging (97%) and alumni engagement (91%). In contrast, less than half of the schools (47%) use social media for pharmacy education and 35% use it for public health and wellness education.
Conclusions:
These metrics provide a comprehensive look at how digital communication strategies are currently governed and prioritized in schools of pharmacy. There are several opportunities for schools of pharmacy to optimize use of social media while utilizing best practices. Future studies should address the gap between perceived value and resource allocation as well as explore the role of schools of pharmacy as leading voices in healthcare via digital platforms.
Publication Information
Sapinoro, Ramil; Miller, Juliette; McDonald, John; Montgomery, Teresita; and Zak, Matthew, "Utilization of Institutional Social Media Accounts Across the Pharmacy Academy" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 60.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/60
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Comments
Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.