Digital and Social Media Conduct

Online spaces feel informal but are permanent and shareable. Posts made in seconds can reach patients, employers, and regulators.^[2][6]

Professionalism online

Avoid posting discriminatory remarks, offensive jokes, or comments that mock patients or colleagues.^[4][2][5]

Do not share identifiable details or timing/location clues that could reveal a case.^[2][3]

Keeping personal and professional profiles separate and applying privacy settings can help, but privacy should never be relied on for safety.^[5][2]

Practical online habits and governance

• Safe habits: pause before posting; avoid discussing cases; decline arguments; and use approved channels for clinical discussion.^[2][5]
• Governance basics: social media policy; moderation rules for practice pages; and training that shows examples of borderline content and safer alternatives.^[1][3]

Why "private" groups are risky

Private groups are not safe by default. Screenshots travel. Tone that seems humorous within a group can look cruel to outsiders and harm public trust. Deleting problematic content quickly, acknowledging error if needed, and showing the change made supports recovery.^[2][6]

Documentation and proportionate monitoring

Documentation should record who posted, what was removed, when, and why. Brief learning notes prevent repeat issues and provide a reference for induction. Monitoring should be proportionate and focused on brand channels rather than personal surveillance.^[3][1]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Disclosing confidential information — General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Using social media as a medical professional — General Medical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Anonymisation and pseudonymisation guidance — Information Commissioner's Office Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Social media guidance — The Nursing and Midwifery Council Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Social media, ethics and professionalism — British Medical Association Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Dangers and Benefits of Social Media on E-Professionalism of Health Care Professionals: Scoping Review — Tea Vukušić Rukavina; Joško Viskić; Lovela Machala Poplašen; Danko Relić; Marko Marelić; Drazen Jokic; Kristijan Sedak; Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2021 Find (opens in a new tab)