New Delhi: Doctors will have to refrain from buying likes, and followers on social media as well as posting patient "success stories", the recent set of guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) under the National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner RMP (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023 have pointed out.
The social media guidelines, issued for the first time for Indian doctors, lay down 11 important points to govern the conduct of doctors on social media.
Doctors’ use of social media can have enormous benefits for patient care whether it is by engaging people in public health and policy discussions, busting myths and tackling medical misinformation or establishing national and international professional networks. However, it becomes perilous when the tools of social media are used by practitioners for self-promotion or glorification and worse to solicit and gain more patients patient base.
Keeping the rising use of social media in mind, the apex medical regulator has laid down the rules for conduct by doctors on ruch platform. "The broader principle of medical ethics should guide the use of social media by RMPs," the guidelines further note.
" All written and visual communication should be truthful, respectful, and professional," the regulations further add.
So here are the 11 points for governing the Code of Conduct of RMPs on Social Media:-
1) RMPs can provide information and announcement on social media. However, the information should be factual and can be verified. The information should not be misleading or deceptive, nor should it exploit the patient’s vulnerability or lack of knowledge
2) RMPs should avoid discussing the treatment of patients on public social media or prescribing medicine to patients on the public social media platform. If a patient approaches doctors through public social media, the doctor should guide the patient toward a telemedicine consultation or in-person consultation as the situation warrants.
3. RMPs should not post patients’ photographs or scan images (ct/pet scans) on social media. Once an image is posted in social media, it becomes data that is owned by the social media company or the general public.
4. RMPs behavior on social media towards his colleagues should be guided by general principles of medical ethics on professional behaviour.
5. RMPs should not directly or indirectly indulge in the practice of purchasing “likes” , “followers” , or paying money so that search algorithms lead to their name being listed at the top or registering on software programs (apps) that charge fees for higher ratings or soliciting patients.
6. RMPs should not request or share patients ’testimonials or recommendations or endorsements or reviews in social media.
7. RMPs should refrain from sharing images of healed/cured patients, or surgery/procedure videos or images displaying impressive results under any circumstances.
8. RMP is allowed to share educative material for the information of the general public. However, communication should be limited to the expertise of the RMP.
9. RMP’s webpage should also follow the same guidelines as above.
10 On social media, RMPs should refrain from boundary crossings or violations and conduct themselves with dignity and decorum.
11. Soliciting of patients directly or indirectly through social media is unethical.
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