The rise of social media has significantly transformed how healthcare professionals interact with patients and the public. While offering opportunities for education, outreach, and community building, it also presents substantial ethical challenges. Misuse of social media by healthcare professionals has underscored critical concerns, particularly around privacy, misinformation, and professionalism. This has created the need for practitioners to understand their obligations when using social media.

One of the fundamental principles of medical ethics is the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality. Unfortunately, numerous instances exist where healthcare professionals have violated this principle on social media. For example, there have been reported cases of professionals posting photos of patients without consent or making derogatory comments about patients. Such actions not only breach patient trust but also contravene legal and ethical standards.

Globally, the misuse of social media by healthcare professionals varies. For instance, a survey in the U.S. found that 31% of physicians believe it is inappropriate to search for patient information online, yet this practice is not uncommon. Furthermore, 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with their medical data being collected by online companies, highlighting a signi cant privacy concern (Etactics, 2023).

To mitigate these risks, healthcare professionals must follow strict guidelines and ethical codes when using social media. Some of the guidelines to consider include:

• When sharing information for the sake of diagnosis, treatment or education and training through social media must ensure that the recipient of information cannot identify the patient from the data disclosed
• Avoid interacting with patients via social media which may cause a failure to maintain a strictly professional relationship with patients.
• The content that you post on social media may harm your employability and recruitment which may limit to advancing professional development and advancement you may be turned away based on questionable digital behaviour.

Avoid:

• Taking photographs during surgery and other forms of treatment or care.
• Making unsubstantiated negative comments about individuals or organisations.
• Making informal or derogatory comments about patients.
• Making comments that may be perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic.

• The information you post will remain on the internet permanently, even if you delete, it does not mean that the content has been removed.
• Avoid using social media when stressed, tired, upset, or under the influence of alcohol.

In conclusion, while social media can be a powerful tool for healthcare professionals, it must be used responsibly to protect patient privacy, maintain professionalism, and ensure accurate dissemination of health information.