8. Social media

Question 1

What are the BMA’s rules guidance on social media?

Answer 1

Respect patients and colleagues
Protect patient confidentiality- especially when sharing case details
Maintain professional boundaries
Don't defame anyone
Make everything ultra-private
Be open about any conflicts of interest

Question 2

What is the GMC’s advice on social media?

Answer 2

Treat colleagues fairly and with respect
When communicating online maintain confidentiality
maintain professional boundries

Question 3

What are the universities rules on social media use

Answer 3

Patient confidentiality is paramount
No images or texts should be posted that can cause a colleague or patient distress
No images or texts should be posted which may cause concern from colleagues, peers, teachers, health professionals or institutions involved in the education of medical undergraduates
Do not post university documents

Question 4

What important guidance do the university give?

Answer 4

Assume everyone can see/read everything
Material can never be unposted
Watch out for anything tagged with your name
Anonymise/restrict your public access persona
Emails, messages and posts are vulnerable to redistribution

Question 5

What are the big three when posting online?

Answer 5

Maintain confidentiality
Don’t accept friend requests from patients
Remain professional online

Question 6

What is defamation?

Answer 6

Talking shit about your colleagues online, liable to being sued