Social media has become a rather crucial part of everyday life. However, while it has become a useful tool for communication, it oftentimes may result in breaches of patient privacy. Some wrongfully assume that posting about a patient on social media may preserve confidentiality for both sides, however, this is an inaccurate perspective. On the contrary, leaving comments or making publications about their patients online can result in the violation of the privacy of the latter.
In order to prevent such risks, first, nurses are only allowed to share information about the patients care with other members of the healthcare team to ensure better results. Second, professionals should never discuss or refer to a patient in a post even if the latter’s name is not revealed. Third, nurses are to be aware that even if a post is private, it is not necessarily accessible only to the intended recipient (NCSBN, 2011). Fourth, it is important to follow employer policies on taking videos and photos of a patient for treatment purposes on employer-provided devices, however, nurses are prohibited from doing so on a personal one.
Medical professionals are not to assume that once a post is deleted, it is no longer accessible. Somebody may have still seen it or even copied and spread it on other sources. Although the medical professionals who are guilty of doing so may not have malicious intentions, it is still a violation of a patient’s privacy and confidentiality. These actions result in breaking state and federal laws and the HIPA act, which was created to protect patients’ rights. In case of inappropriate use of social media or electronic devices, nurses are to be reported to the Board of Nursing for disciplinary action on the basis of unprofessional or unethical behavior, violation of confidentiality or other issues. Being aware of the rules and regulations regarding the use of social media may help protect the patient’s privacy.
Reference
NCSBN. (2011). Social Media Guidelines for Nurses. [Video]. YouTube. Web.