What is a Twitter Chat
A Twitter Chat is a running conversation on Twitter during a set time that revolves around a
predetermined topic. The Twitter Chat can be found, followed, and contributed to by using a designated hashtag. For this Twitter chat about colonoscopies and colorectal cancer screening it will be #CRCchat.
Why participate in a Twitter Chat?
Participating in a Twitter Chat lets you be part of an important conversation, and allows you to pull up a seat at the table next to survivors, providers, organizations, and institutions. It is your chance to have your voice heard and to make your experience and work matter. It is also a great way to connect with others in the shared space who have a vested interested in the cause.
How to participate in a Twitter Chat?
For one hour, anyone interested is welcome to be part of the discussion topic of the Twitter Chat. Every Twitter Chat has a topic, and the questions asked revolve around this. It’s easy to join by following and using a designated hashtag which will be promoted in advance and used with very question asked.
There are a set number of predetermined questions that will be presented in scheduled increments. Each question will be preceded with “Q1” through “Q9,” and participants can retweet with an answer appropriately labeled “A1” through “A9.” The Colon Cancer Coalition will be asking the questions from their Twitter account (@gyrig) and everyone should retweet any question they want to answer with their response so their answer makes sense.
Feel free to attach any resources, links, or photos in your response that will help support your answer. Responding to the questions live during the Twitter Chat is not a requirement for participation. We hope others will join in the hours and days after the chat, as the responses reverberate throughout Twitter.
For our chat about colonoscopies, Dr. David Perdue, gastroenterologist and Chief Medical Officer with MNGI Digestive Health in the Twin Cities of Minnesota will be our guest.
Twitter Chat Questions:
Q1: There are a variety of bowel prep options on the market. How can a patient and provider decide which is the best option for them? #CRCchat
Q2: Why is it so important for a patient to follow prep instructions (diet leading up to colonoscopy, instructions for drinking prep solution, timing)? #CRCchat
Q3: A “split prep” is becoming more common for patients preparing for a colonoscopy. Why has this become a more popular method, and why is it so important that a patient have best bowel prep possible? #CRCchat
Q4: Many are hesitant to get a colonoscopy because they are concerned about things like pain/discomfort, complications, and anesthesia. How can the clinic staff work with patients so they are at ease on the day of their colonoscopy? #CRCchat
Q5: When will a patient know (or what will they see or not see in the toilet) when they have successfully prepped for their colonoscopy? #CRCchat
Q6: What are some tips for patients who find themselves experiencing nausea as a result of their bowel prep, or are struggling to drink the required amount? #CRCchat
Q7: Though there are several screening options for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is the only option that can prevent it by removing polyps during the procedure. Why is it so important to have polyps removed? #CRCchat
Q8: What can a patient do who needs a screening colonoscopy but is under or uninsured? #CRCchat
Q9: What conversations and information should a patient expect from their provider after their colonoscopy – especially if they had polyps removed? #CRCchat
Thank you to ColoWrap and Salix Pharmaceuticals for their support of this Twitter Chat, and continued commitment to preventing colorectal cancer through on-time screening.
