Dos and Don'ts of Social Media in Healthcare
Healthcare professionals should follow established guidelines for social media use to maintain patient privacy, professional boundaries, and ethical standards while leveraging these platforms for education, networking, and information dissemination. 1
Key Recommendations for Professional Social Media Use
DO:
Understand platform norms before active participation - Begin as a "passive user" to observe interactions and develop an appreciation for each platform's etiquette before actively engaging 1
Establish a clear professional digital identity - Use your real name, professional photo, and clearly state your profession and role when setting up professional accounts 1
Conduct periodic self-audits of your online presence to ensure your professional digital footprint remains appropriate 1
Leverage platforms for their professional strengths:
Use social media for academic research by connecting with investigators, recruiting for clinical trials, and engaging with patient-reported outcome research 1
Employ social media as an educational tool for both healthcare providers and patients, while recognizing that content should be evaluated critically 1
DON'T:
Never compromise patient privacy or confidentiality - Avoid sharing any information, images, or videos that could lead to patient identification 1
Avoid providing specific medical advice to individuals through social media platforms 1
Don't blur professional boundaries with patients - maintain appropriate limits between yourself and patients online 1
Never post impulsively - Remember that anything posted online should be considered permanent and potentially accessible to all, even if "deleted" 1
Don't use personal email or unsecured platforms for patient communications - use only encrypted messages over secure network connections 1
Avoid text messaging for medical interactions except with extreme caution and patient consent 1
Practical Implementation Guidelines
Managing Professional Boundaries
If contacted by patients on social media, refer them to legitimate online information sources or recommend formal appointments 1
Separate personal accounts (for friends/family) from professional accounts (for educational/professional purposes) 2
Be aware that all content posted online, even if "deleted," will likely remain publicly available indefinitely 1
Communication Best Practices
For e-communication with established patients, obtain and document consent and discuss security measures before initiating electronic exchanges 1
Use hospital-based servers or encrypted messages over secure network connections rather than personal email accounts 1
Consider using specialized platforms like Doximity or Sermo for physician-only discussions 1
Quality Control and Ethical Considerations
Clearly differentiate between scientific medical advice and experience-based opinions or commercial content 2
Declare any conflicts of interest in public-facing content 2
Follow the same ethical and legal standards online as offline, recognizing accountability to professional bodies 3
Be aware of the "online disinhibition effect" which can lower restraint during online activities 3
Institutional Considerations
Be aware of your employer's social media policies 1
In the US, ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, particularly when sharing any patient-related information 1
Consider how self-promotion and advertisements will be perceived by others 1
Potential Benefits and Pitfalls
Benefits:
Enhanced professional networking and collaboration across geographic boundaries 4
Improved dissemination of health information and research findings 4
Opportunities for continuing education and professional development 1
Patient education and engagement in health campaigns 1
Pitfalls:
By following these guidelines, healthcare professionals can effectively leverage social media while maintaining professional standards and protecting patient interests.