Doctors' use of social media (summary)

The standards expected of doctors do not change because they are communicating through social media rather than face to face or through other traditional media, but new challenges can arise.

This guidance tells you the benefits and risks to consider when using social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for patient care or discussing patients and their care.

It includes advice on how to avoid breaching confidentiality. It also deals with other issues like what to do if a patient contacts you through your personal profile, and managing conflicts of interest in the online environment. 

This guidance came into effect 22 April 2013.