A5.8 The Positive Use Of And Restrictions On The Use Of Social Media In The Health And Science Sector

Question 1

What are the positive uses of social media in healthcare?

Answer 1

• awareness campaigns
• correcting misinformation
• crisis communication and monitoring eg covid
• monitoring public health
• data gathering
• establishing patient support networks
• recruitment
• marketing by commercial and healthcare organisations

Question 2

What are the restrictions on social media use in healthcare?

Answer 2

• do not post sensitive or personal information about yourself or others.
• maintain professional boundaries when interacting with individuals outside the organisation
• do not share inaccurate or non evidence based information

Question 3

What are risks associated with misuse of social media?

Answer 3

• reputational damage
• infringement of the intellectual property rights of others
• liability for any discriminatory comments
• possible unauthorised sharing of confidential information