The case of ten British doctors facing sanctions over misuse of social media serves as a cautionary tale for doctors in Australia.
Two doctors were suspended and another eight faced sanctions over their use of Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2017 following a probe by the UK watchdog the General Medical Council.
The results of the investigation into 28 doctors’ social media usage – triggered by complaints by patients and employers – are published in The BMJ, which obtained the information under freedom of information laws.
According to the journal, 10 doctors faced sanctions, 14 were cleared and another four were cleared after receiving advice.
Details of the nature of the transgressions were not published.
The case highlights how social media can be a minefield for doctors practicing in Australia, who need to adhere to rules set by AHPRA in its advertising guidelines and social media policy.