Physicians' social media use and ethics

Abstract

With an ever increasing user base and expanding modes of utilisation, social media has significantly solidified its place in the landscape of modern communication. Similarly, social media has also created a revolution in the provision and experience of health services. Today, social media is widely used, not only by individuals as a primary reference for health issues, but also by physicians. The use of social media by physicians raises important issues such as the blurring of professional and private lives. Social media has the potential to affect many practical issues such as the differentiation of professional from private life, physician-patient relationships, and medical ethics. This article discusses ethical issues with specific examples and investigates the key issues found in the preparation of social media guidelines.