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Be aware of your professional
obligations if raising concerns in
relation to a specic health service
If you believe the health service or environment
that you work in is inadequate or poses a threat
to health, you should alert appropriate authorities
rather than raising these issues through social
media. You should be aware of your employer’s
policies regarding the use of social media to raise
concerns that may be critical of, or reflect poorly
on, your employer or wider health service
Post content regularly and develop an
informed, clear narrative
If you are going to use social media as a tool for
advocacy and campaigning and want to make
your voice heard on a particular topic, deliver
relevant content that is engaging, thoughtful,
balanced and well-informed.
Monitor content, conversations and
engage
Being able to engage with campaigns and
conversations that are happening online creates
momentum but is obviously going to bring you to
people’s attention. Be aware of your influence and
abide by your professional code of conduct.
Avoid unproductive or inflammatory
arguments online
It is quite common when advocating online
that all sorts of people respond, some with a
well-informed counter-argument, but others
may respond in an emotional way or may be
blatantly seeking to start an argument. While it
can be tempting to engage in a ery debate, it
is best to not respond when it is clear someone
is not willing to have a reasoned and informed
discussion. Doing so may reflect poorly to others
who may be reading the discussion.
Leverage the experiences you have
as a professional in your sphere of
influence to create change
Often the public wants to know and understand
what doctors think on a particular health
issue. Think about the content you post, if it is
appropriate to do so in a professional capacity
and abide by your professional obligations
regarding patient condentiality.
Be authentic
Make sure you stay true to yourself as a
professional and what you stand for. Engaging
in genuine conversations about topics you are
passionate about will help to support what you
are trying to achieve on social media.
07 –USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADVOCACY: A GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA & MEDICAL PROFESSIONALISM