Journal Of Paramedic Practice - Understanding the do's and dont's of social media

Abstract

Social media offers paramedics a great tool for continuing professional development; however, consideration should be given if it is to be used effectively and responsibly. Imogen Carter, College of Paramedics Yorkshire Regional Group liaison, outlines recommendations for getting the most out of the technology.

Social media provides both benefits and challenges: paramedics both nationally and internationally can share knowledge and information, debate critical issues and keep up-to-date with developments in practice. However, being aware of potential pitfalls is essential; social media is not peer-reviewed, for instance, and the maintaining of professional and personal boundaries can be challenging.

Legal, regulatory and professional considerations apply to paramedics as allied health professionals (AHPs) or students when using social media. What you make public about your personal life on social media sites could have an impact on your employment and professional standing. Inappropriate comments written and shared have potential to breach a number of laws or regulations—from data protection, defamation or harassment laws, to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or employer regulations.

Social media is a public domain and you should be aware that while online you are still representing the profession and your employer and should be aware of how you could be viewed by society/service users/colleagues/other agencies/the media/governing bodies. There are increasing numbers of paramedics being involved in social networking disciplinary cases; the internet is not anonymous, nor does it forget. Everything written on the internet can be traced back to its author very easily and there is a permanent record which is accessible to all.

Paramedics should, however, make use of the potential for continuing professional development (CPD) through social media; for example, by accessing learning materials, through online discussions and information sharing. Within the current fast-evolving socio-economic and policy contexts, it is important to keep abreast of relevant developments in pre-hospital care and related professions; social media can facilitate this process.

E-professionalism: the ability to understand and use social media, as well as develop and manage online personas including online postings and interactions, blogs, images, videos, tweets and more

The use of social media is set to expand. Many people, not just younger people, now expect to use social media to interact with each other. Modern health professionals now need to find ways to embrace this social media technology to help deliver innovative services, while upholding their professional, legal and regulatory responsibilities. The use of social technology and social networking enables people to collaborate, build relationships and share information and resources. E-professionalism is a term that is starting to be used, which goes beyond online communication. It involves the ability to understand and use social media and also how to develop and manage online personas including online postings and interactions, blogs, images, videos, tweets and more.

The College of Paramedics believes that good practice in social media is no different from that in any other form of communication. You should ensure you maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries and take responsibility for recognising ethical dilemmas presented by the use of different types of social media.

‘The College of Paramedics believes that good practice in social media is no different from that in any other form of communication’

Do's

Do use social media effectively and responsibly:

Think about why you want to use social media, what you want to say, to whom, how and why

Avoid jargon or abbreviations to ensure your audience will understand what you are trying to say

Ensure your contributions are based on fact/evidence

Set privacy settings to ensure only known or invited individuals can access your social media

Get written consent from patients before using images on social media sites

Recognise that everything you post online contributes to building a digital record about yourself (which may not easily be deleted)

Be transparent if contributing to social media sites in a work or official capacity

Respect the ‘house rules’ of the social media site (terms of use etc.)

Adjust your communication style on social networking sites which are usually informal in nature

Remember, if being photographed or being featured in a video clip, be professional in dress and manner

Remember to take a proportional approach if you have to tackle negative or inappropriate comments on social networking sites. Try to solve the issue informally if appropriate. If this does not solve the matter or the original posting is serious enough to warrant moving straight to a more formal approach, refer on to the appropriate individual or organisation. For example, for an advertising issue go to the Advertising Standards Authority: http://www.asa.org.uk/. For a dispute between colleagues seek advice from your workplace steward, or from human resources or management. If you are worried about a breach of patient confidentiality, discuss it with management.

Don'ts

To avoid negative personal or professional consequences when using social media don't:

Assume your contributions to social networking sites are private. Even if you have employed privacy settings, friends or followers can forward items outside your network and make them public

Post any comment or image you would not be happy to see on the BBC news

State your place of work on your personal Facebook/Twitter account (unless you have permission to do so)

Use social media to criticise a colleague, manager or employer

Use social networking sites to whistle blow. Use HCPC guidance on this topic instead

Breach patient or employer confidentiality

Accept friend requests from patients

Send friend requests to patients

Gossip about colleagues, patients, your employer etc.

Violate intellectual property law (e.g. copyright or trademark)

Harass anyone, or discriminate against anyone in your postings

Speak on behalf of people or organisations without their express permission

Escalate situations by getting into a war of words online; bear in mind social networking sites are public spaces.

The College of Paramedics would like to thank the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for their support and guidance in the development of this document.