We all know how important a doctor’s social media presence is. Being a doctor influencer has become a part of owning a clinic or a hospital. Social media has become a powerful tool, where patients’ visits are influenced based on the number of followers and how they are reviewed.
But did you know there are strict guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the proper use of social media by doctors?
Only factual information or announcements should be published.
Should not discuss the treatment or prescribe medicines on the media. If any enquiry is made by the patient, teleconsultation or in-person consultation should be preferred.
Should not post the patient’s photograph or scan images.
General principles of medical ethics on professional behaviour must be followed towards other colleagues.
Cannot directly or indirectly purchase followers, unlike other social media influencers.
Should never share patients’ testimonial videos or reviews on social media platforms.
Should not share any before-and-after pictures or videos or any surgical or other procedural videos.
It should also be kept in mind that if these guidelines are not followed, it can result in severe disciplinary action, including suspension of the medical license, and comes under professional misconduct.
Please feel free to share your views on this. What are the other guidelines you think should be included here?
It’s actually very good initiative..not for other fellow but for laymen as it protects patient privacy, unethical use of any drug without discuss to the physician,etc.
This is such an informative post! I never knew about these guidelines. I will now look into National Dental Commission guidelines. But what I’d like to know is, without patient case documentation and sharing it on social profiles, how would people get to know about the skills we possess as clinicians? Is this also applicable after we have patients’ consent to share their cases on social handles? (Of course, by maintaining their anonymity by using blurring tools, pixelating their eyes, or using censor bars.)
I think these guidelines are very important today because social media can educate people, but patient privacy and ethical boundaries should always come first.
I agree. Patient confidentiality and the ethical use of social media should be taken very seriously to maintain trust, professionalism, and responsible healthcare practice.
An informative and well-structured post. You’ve clearly highlighted important ethical boundaries and responsibilities. It’s a much-needed reminder that social media use in medicine must always prioritize professionalism and patient safety.
Glad you found it useful! Yes, maintaining professionalism on social media is just as important as in clinical practice, and these guidelines help ensure patient safety and ethical conduct.
Another point which I would like to add this the influencers who are becoming Doctors and Health coaches. I think that the correct dissemination of information is extremely essential. The social media is full of people who are spreading false information pertaining to health topics. Primarily we should ban influencers who are giving health information with absolutely no scientific or medical backing.
Very informative post. I was not aware of these guidelines. Doctors are one of the biggest influencers and their opinions and knowledge is one of the most trusted sources of information for general masses. A doctor as an influencer has a very big responsibility and these guidelines are a proof that how important information on healthcare is.