Doctors be warned: social media has its benefits, but…

“Or recording for that matter! And if recording, who is that recording going to be sent to,” Bioethics and Health/Medical Law expert, Dr Munyad Kwinda, warned colleagues in a recent Clinix Health Group-hosted webinar. Kwinda, an HPCSA-registered Family Practitioner, made the point that there was still some form of control in a live, face-to-face communication, but stressed that a major risk on social media for a doctor was being taken out of context – particularly if, whether intended or not, a post or chat reached a larger audience.

Before issuing further warnings and advice, Kwinda did acknowledge the benefits of medical professionals using social media as a means of communication “if well managed!”: “It can significantly contribute to positive relationships between practitioners, but poorly managed it can destroy relationships with serious consequences for all concerned!”  These would include falling foul of the HPCSA good practice guideline rulings and ultimately putting the profession into disrepute.

Examples of well-managed benefits included building professional networks, sharing ideas and information, and offering and accessing professional and peer support. Importantly, Kwinda went on to point out, social media offered campaigning platforms on issues common and important to health professionals and related debates on their specific areas of practice. 

However, an area needing particular attention was maintaining professional boundaries by considering the effects of accepting a patient, former patient, or close relative on social media: “Here it might be worth considering simply creating an online profile that is maintained as a professional page only,” Kwinda advised, “a page which provides information relevant to the professional practice of the practitioner.” 

He reminded his audience of the importance of evidence-based and scientifically sound, generic advice when sharing such information: “The recipient, in turn, must be directed to consult with a health practitioner before following through!” 

Kwinda concluded by offering his colleagues some tips on what to avoid when using social media. These included taking photographs during surgery and other forms of treatment and care, making unsubstantiated negative comments about individuals and organisations, or making informal and derogatory comments about patients. 

He also warned against making comments that may be perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise prejudiced, or using social media when stressed, tired, upset, or under the influence of alcohol. 

“Always err on the side of caution when using social media!”