Social media has found its place in healthcare ; it plays an important role in patient engagement.

Healthcare providers now have an easier and more immediate way to connect with their patients and the public. The connections made on social media are doing everything from increasing the awareness of health issues and treatments to empowering patients through online support groups.

 While there are many positive sides to social media, we must also be aware of its risks. For example, social media can blur the lines between professional and personal relationships. A doctor, healthcare practice or even hospital using social media is not the same as a traditional user. When an employee, particularly a nurse or physician, post personal views regarding hot topics, such as immunizations, it can impact the way that clients perceive the position of the clinic or organization they work for. There are several risk and compliance issues that healthcare professionals must address and understand before posting information online. A lack of awareness, guidelines and training will leave healthcare organizations exposed to significant risk for their patients and their reputation.

The Great Plains QIN recently offered a WebEx on this very important topic. The presenter, Heather Annolino, RN, MBA, CPHRM; Director, Risk-Quality-Safety Consulting Services, offered insight on the current state and definitions of social media, guidelines and pitfalls and strategies to effectively manage and avoid privacy violations. Visit our Web site to access the recording. The training was very well-received; two comments from attendees are included below.

I’m the Director of Clinical Education and I’m going to include this information in an inservice within the next few months, specifically regarding the image people present to the public, even if they don’t realize who might be reading their social media.

I will be passing this along to fellow compliance managers to offer the recording as compliance training. This was outstanding! Thank you so very much!