Guidelines for the Student Use of Social Media and Electronic Communication in Practice Education Settings
Overview
The following guidelines provide a general overview of the professional responsibilities of Faculty of Health students during practice education experiences. Although these guidelines are specific to social media and electronic communication, the general guidance applies to all forms of communication about practice education experiences, whether electronic or not.
In Nova Scotia, the collection, use, disclosure, retention, disposal and destruction of personal health information is governed by the (PHIA). This Act is foundational for all health professionals and it is a requirement for all Faculty of Health Professions students to read and understand the Act.
These guidelines are intended to complement the PHIA as well as the 国民彩票 Student Code of Conduct, 国民彩票鈥檚 Social Media Guidelines, applicable School/College directives for professional behaviour while on placement and individual practice education employer policies on privacy, harassment, media relations and social media use. In situations where the established practice education employer鈥檚 guidelines differ from what is outlined here, the practice education employer鈥檚 guidelines take precedence.
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with applicable legislation, rules, regulations and guidelines. Failure to do so will not be an acceptable excuse for inappropriate behaviour during practice education experiences. Students must be aware that behaviour contrary to the requirements of those documents could lead to disciplinary action by 国民彩票, termination and failure of your placement or even legal action (in the case of breaching health information legislation).
Definitions
For the purposes of these guidelines:
Electronic Communication and Social Media includes interaction between students and preceptors/clinical instructors, students and patients/clients, students and other health professionals, students in public or semi-public fora and between students before, during or after practice education experiences.
Practice Education includes all instances where Faculty of Health students are employed or engaged to undertake work for an employer as part of their degree. This includes both direct patient/client care and observational experiences.
Practice Education Employer refers to any organization in which a student of the Faculty of Health completes an internship, clinical or co-operative education experience as part of their educational program with 国民彩票.
Social Media is defined as any web-based fora where users interact online and share information. Social media sites include, but are not limited to, Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Google+, blogs, Youtube, LinkedIn etc.
Electronic Communication refers to the use of any personal electronic communication mediums (such as email) and personal mobile devices (such as cell phones, smart phones, tablets) for sending and receiving messages, texts, emails or other information.
Guidelines for Responsible Student Use of Social Media and Electronic Communication in Practice Education Settings[1]
General Guidelines
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1.听听听听 Consider the privacy of patients first. Everything that is written and spoken about a patient is confidential.
2.听听听听 Be respectful. When communicating electronically, conduct yourself as you would in a professional face-to-face environment: with a respectful demeanor and attention to proper etiquette and language.
3.听听听听 No social media. Students are prohibited from posting photos or discussing any aspect of their practical education experience on social media (students should check with their School regarding posting practice education sites on their LinkedIn resume).
4.听听听听 Not at work. During work hours, ensure that any personal mobile devices are put away and on silent mode. Do not engage in personal business during work hours 鈥� this includes taking or making phone calls, texting and using social media.
5.听听听听 Think before you send. Before engaging in online communication or posting photos, ask yourself if it would reflect poorly upon you, 国民彩票 or your profession. If so, refrain from doing so.
6.听听听听 Once something is public, you can鈥檛 take it back. All information sent or posted electronically is permanent and may be accessible to the public even after it is deleted. Also, consider that it is always possible to find the author of information posted in electronic interactions and fora.
7.听听听听 Protect your privacy. Ensure that all privacy settings in your accounts are set at a high level. This is for your own privacy, but also to protect others.
Guidelines for Interacting with Patients/Clients
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1.听听听听 Always maintain professional boundaries in all workplace relationships. Do not contact patients/clients from personal email accounts or via social media. While a Faculty of Health student, developing non-professional relationships on social media sites with patients/clients or their families is prohibited. 听
2.听听听听 Do not post photos or information or discuss specific details about patients/clients or patient/client-based learning experiences, even if unnamed or seemingly anecdotal.
3.听听听听 Do not comment upon or criticize patients/clients (even if unnamed) in online fora.
4.听听听听 Do not exchange private emails (nor email addresses), text messages or photos with or about patients/clients. All electronic correspondence with patients/clients should be done from a work or school email (as determined by your employer).