When it comes to patients, the message from the General Medical Council (GMC) is clear - you must maintain a professional boundary between you and your patient and ensure that the use of social media does not allow this professional boundary to become blurred. Queries vary from what information can be shared to concerns about the content of a colleague’s advice or message, which has been captured in a screenshot for evidence. MDDUS receives frequent enquiries about the use of messaging apps by healthcare professionals. Former health and social care secretary Matt Hancock even suggested that doctors could use WhatsApp to send patients test results and medical advice.īut while this all seems like the answer to our digital prayers, it is essential to remember that the standards expected from us do not dilute simply because we are behind a keyboard or phone. This has been enormously helpful and beneficial to all healthcare professionals, especially during the pandemic. You can attach guidelines, policies and share good practice with the click of a button.

One message can be sent into the pockets of an entire team instantly. As healthcare is increasingly delivered via digital platforms, it’s no surprise that messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Snapchat have become popular amongst clinicians as a way to easily communicate with colleagues. EXCHANGING information quickly and easily has always been a key goal for doctors.

What's up whatsapp