APMA News - March/April 2023 - 28

social media
Think Twice About What You
Share on Social Media
By Ronnesha Jackson, Communications Coordinator
Share memorable stories from the workplace
without being unethical.
The internet has created an environment where
we can make genuine connections with millions
of like-minded individuals and share our interests
and passions. Health-care workers are going viral
daily and accumulating massive followings through
content creation. It's amazing to see so many
health professionals tap into creative outlets to
share insights and a day-to-day behind-the-scenes
look at their profession. Social media has proven
itself to be a great way to maximize your reach to
prospective patients, promote health facts to the
public, and even showcase fun personal interests
and hobbies. But the idea of being transparent and
relatable on the internet can come with risks.
It can be tempting to share stories or vent on
social media to show the world that physicians can
have good and bad days just like everyone else. But
as a health-care provider, you must first consider
the extreme importance of patient privacy and other
ethical concerns, especially when it comes to
what is shared on social media. Recently, labor and
delivery nurses at Emory Hospital in Georgia were
terminated for sharing a TikTok video in which
they discussed their " patient icks. " The viral video
showcased things their patients do that they deem
annoying or strange. The public found these videos
to be extremely insensitive and morally unjust.
There are many ways patients can be impacted
by what health-care providers share publicly.
For example:
* Patients could be emotionally hurt by seeing
jokes made about their conditions or treatments.
* Patients could become anxious or too embarrassed
to seek necessary medical care.
Marginalized communities, especially, already
share concerns about health care, and do not
always feel safe or protected.
Not only was the distasteful TikTok video harmful
to patients, but it also was damaging to the hospital's
reputation. You're not just speaking for yourself
when you post online; you're also speaking for
your employer and for your profession. Even
though you might think your message is funny or
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MARCH/APRIL 2023
lighthearted, there could be serious consequences
if it's not perceived that way by the public.
Instead, use social media to express why you
love what you do! Make an impact by empowering
your patients and advocating for health equity and
quality care. Here are a few tips on how to use
social media in a positive way:
* Use social media as a tool for promoting education,
inspiration, and patient support.
* Share interesting news about advances in podiatric
medicine.
* Share stories about patients (with prior permission)
who have positively benefited from your
care, or even share positive stories about your
own experiences as a patient.
Always take time to consider whether your video
is respectful and appropriate for public consumption
before posting. Health-care providers experience
plenty of frustrating moments, but remember
there are boundaries when it comes to sharing
information online. Patients deserve respect and
privacy from their health-care providers both offline
and online.
APMA News - March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - March/April 2023
