Social Media Policy
Purpose of this policy
To provide guidance to staff and contractors on the use of social media at work and at home. We aim to respect patient confidentiality, laws relating to medical practice, and professionalism.
Social media definition
Online interactive communities to share information and content, such as Facebook, Twitter, lnstagram, YouTube and Linkedin. This practice does not have a Facebook page.
On employees’ and contractors’ personal social media sites:
- Do not identify yourself as working for or at the practice.
- Do not refer to the practice, other staff or contractors without their approval. Do not criticise or denigrate the practice, its staff and contractors, or organisations it is professionally associated with.
- There should be no photos taken inside the workplace which could capture documents, paperwork, patient charts, or other information protected by privacy law. Do not disclose any patient information without the express consent of the patient.
- Do not accept “friend” requests from people you know only as a patient of the practice.
- Do not disclose any confidential information relating to practice systems.
- Use of social media should not interfere with your work.
Consequences of breach of this policy
Any breach of this social media policy may result in disciplinary action, and in the event of serious misconduct may result in the termination of employment or contract.
Related practice policies:
- Code of conduct
- Email and internet use
- IT security
- Complaints management