Use of the FacebookTM social network in data collection and dissemination of evidence

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the FacebookTM platform as a means of disseminating a video in Portuguese demonstrating the use of three interventions of pain management (breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and sweet solutions) during minor procedures, and to evaluate prior knowledge, the range, dissemination and intent to use the strategies in the future. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey, which used the "virtual snowball" sampling method, aimed at parents and health professionals caring for neonates. The study was conducted in Brazil, through a FacebookTM page (https://www.facebook.com/sejadocecomosbebes), in which the video and a brief questionnaire were posted. Results: After three months the page reached 28,364 "views", in 45 municipalities across Brazil, 1531 people accessed the page, 709 responses to the questionnaires, 1126 "likes", and multiple positive comments. Almost all viewers (99.71%) answered they would use one of the pain reducing strategies. Conclusion: Our results indicate that using FacebookTM to deliver and evaluate an intervention is feasible, rapid in obtaining responses at a low cost, and it is promising for data collection and knowledge dissemination