Page 14 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

created a policy on the use of social media, AMA Opinion

.
9.124: “Professionalism in the Use of Social Media” This policy
4
warns against an inappropriate online physician-patient
relationship. It also warns physicians who discover posted
content by other physicians, which appears unprofessional,

to notify the individual and provide an opportunity for them to
take appropriate action. If the behavior significantly violates

professional norms, and the individual does not take appropriate
action to resolve the situation, the physician should report the

matter to appropriate authorities.

Actions taken online may affect physicians’ reputations among
their colleagues and their patients and may also affect the

public’s vision of and trust in the medical profession. Whereas in
the past a provider may have been concerned about a

conversation being overheard in a hallway by a few people,
providers now face the reality that a post on a social networking

site may reach millions of people within a matter of seconds.
The new environment opens opportunities for a variety of

4 https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/ama-code-medical-ethics-opinions-observing-
professional-boundaries-and-meeting-professional/2015-05

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