In the twenty first century many individuals are using social media applications daily on a variety of personal devices such as phones, tablets and laptops; however it may be appropriate to modify the use of social media and be aware of the consequences of using it while working in the medical or nursing profession for various reasons. Social media is used to communicate with other users via messages, images and posting statuses that can be viewed by anyone depending on their privacy settings. This communication method has specific regulations and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to ensure that patient information is preserved fairly through confidentiality (Australian Health Practitioner Agency, 2014). Social media has positive
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Nursing students have the opportunity to access information on their respective courses and contact other students and faculty, also giving tutors some unique teaching methods (Tuominen, R, Stolt, M & Salminen, L, 2014). Social media has many advantages of communicating information online that can be accessed almost immediately internationally, which is especially important for building a constructive relationship with the outer community (Jackson, J, Fraser, R & Ash, P, 2014). Social media could be used positively where early warning could be delivered for incoming viruses or harmful environmental threats so instructions can be provided quickly for the public (Alichnie C, 2012). This use of technology has been effective thus far in promoting and educating the public on vaccinations and increased the rate of immunization provided in the hospital (Venci, DP, Slain, D, Elswick, BM, Sarwari, AR, Ross, AL, Smithmyer, A, 2015). Hospitals and health services can have a major impact on the interests of their consumers and can improve their competitiveness by establishing a maintaining a presence on social media to post relevant information (Peck, J.L. 2014). Social media can be used practically from nursing students in University, to the health professionals’ communication to society as long as the appropriate guidelines and policies are followed …show more content…
Social applications such as Facebook may have advantages in nursing education as it provides instant access to information and the contact of faculty and other students, but care must be taken to ensure that no sensitive information is disclosed online to other students or the community in regards to health care. There are severe penalties for those members who compromise patient confidentiality on social media that may lead to suspension, disqualification and potential career termination for liable persons. Content posted online is permanent and can be spread internationally, which is why the University of South Australia and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia have standards of communication and parameters in place for all students and health professionals to adhere
Nursing students have the opportunity to access information on their respective courses and contact other students and faculty, also giving tutors some unique teaching methods (Tuominen, R, Stolt, M & Salminen, L, 2014). Social media has many advantages of communicating information online that can be accessed almost immediately internationally, which is especially important for building a constructive relationship with the outer community (Jackson, J, Fraser, R & Ash, P, 2014). Social media could be used positively where early warning could be delivered for incoming viruses or harmful environmental threats so instructions can be provided quickly for the public (Alichnie C, 2012). This use of technology has been effective thus far in promoting and educating the public on vaccinations and increased the rate of immunization provided in the hospital (Venci, DP, Slain, D, Elswick, BM, Sarwari, AR, Ross, AL, Smithmyer, A, 2015). Hospitals and health services can have a major impact on the interests of their consumers and can improve their competitiveness by establishing a maintaining a presence on social media to post relevant information (Peck, J.L. 2014). Social media can be used practically from nursing students in University, to the health professionals’ communication to society as long as the appropriate guidelines and policies are followed …show more content…
Social applications such as Facebook may have advantages in nursing education as it provides instant access to information and the contact of faculty and other students, but care must be taken to ensure that no sensitive information is disclosed online to other students or the community in regards to health care. There are severe penalties for those members who compromise patient confidentiality on social media that may lead to suspension, disqualification and potential career termination for liable persons. Content posted online is permanent and can be spread internationally, which is why the University of South Australia and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia have standards of communication and parameters in place for all students and health professionals to adhere