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Good afternoon,
Welcome to this issue of Medical Council News.
In this issue we look at the Council ‘policy’ on naming individual doctors in the media and how we manage the tensions that exist between the public interest in information being disclosed, the freedom of the press and a doctor’s right to privacy. We also highlight a chapter of Cole’s Medical practice in New Zealand that examines the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the profession.
The issue of water fluoridation and the controversy surrounding the issue is addressed by Dr Steven Lillis, one of the Council’s Medical Advisers. In some sage advice, Dr Lillis notes, ‘An important principle for doctors holding a minority view is to inform their audience, either individual patients or groups of health consumers, that the majority of the profession hold a different view and why they hold that view.’
We also highlight two new statements on telehealth and the use of the internet and electronic communication. Both are timely given the considerable media interest in the use of social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter by health practitioners.
Earlier this year, in New Zealand Doctor, I wrote, ‘The use of social media and networking poses many challenges and questions for the profession, patients and the Council alike. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it ok for a doctor to look at a patient's or their family member's Facebook profile?
- Should a doctor interact with patients on social media as part of patient care?
Is it acceptable for a doctor to request a patient to become a friend on Facebook?
- Is it acceptable for a doctor to accept an invitation to become a patient's Facebook ‘friend’?
- Is it ok to post details of a patient's clinical treatment online in a blog or message board even if the patient is not identified?
- Is it appropriate for a doctor to share their views about an issue on Twitter?
Although the answers to these questions may seem clear on the surface, social media can blur boundaries that are sensibly maintained elsewhere.
The bottom line is that we all need to think before we post a comment or image online. If you wouldn't want your colleagues or patients to read what you are posting, then don't publish it. Also remember there is no such thing as anonymity and everything online must be considered permanent.
Once the sent button is hit the message or photo has the potential to be distributed widely with unintended consequences’.
The Statement on the use of the internet and electronic communication offers practical advice on the use of social media and I would urge you to read it online. Quick link
Statement on the use of the internet and electronic communication
Kind regards
Dr John Adams
Chairperson
Medical Council of New Zealand
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