To Post, or Not to Post? My professionalism within Social Media

What is my professionalism?

To practise as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in Alberta, I am required to maintain my professional registration with the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA). CARTA regulates RRT practice in Alberta, which includes setting standards of practice, enforcing a code of ethics, governing practice complaints and auditing educational requirements. CARTA functions by exercising the powers conferred by the Health Professions Act.

As a respiratory therapist, my role within the Canadian Health Care system is governed provincially by Alberta's Health Professions Act (HPA) (Government of Alberta, 2022). The College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA) ensures members' professional practice complies with the HPA. My professional values align with the Standards of Practice stated by CARTA; I provide professional, safe and quality services to the public and adhere to the Code of Ethics (CARTA, n.d.-b). I am an Alberta Health Services (AHS) employee, a primary public sector providing health care to Alberta residents based on the HPA. How I practise as a respiratory therapist can considerably impact the public's view of health care professionals.

My Professionalism + Social Media?

While healthcare professionals should provide best practices guided by the legislation, code of ethics, standards, policies and procedure, maintaining a professional identity also requires effective communication, networking, connectivity and clinical collaboration. It is not uncommon that we see healthcare professionals utilizing social media as a means of networking and communication. Social media is also used for health education, promotion and advocation. However, social media can be a double-edged sword; it is powerfully beneficial when used correctly, but it can also cause tremendous harm if it is not used right.

We live in a world where information travels so quickly via social media; whether we like it or not, it seems inevitable we all use social media on various levels. Many people choose to share their personal life via social media openly. By sharing thoughts, ideas, opinions, political views, etc., people portray who they want to be seen via the digital world.

Personally, I use Facebook and Instagram mainly to stay in contact with my family and friends, though both accounts are private. As a respiratory therapist, I do not hesitate to share my professional knowledge, promote health care information and advocate for clients. However, I keep my professional identity away from social media. While I am obligated to promote health and advocacy, creating and maintaining a platform to allow dialogues is often challenging; I am also hesitant about the risks involved.

Based on the Social Media Policy, AHS does not regulate, restrict, or direct individuals' private or personal views or opinions; this includes individuals speaking on behalf of a profession or organization (AHS, 2011). However, AHS has a guideline for health care workers to consider, ethically and practically, when it comes to using social media.

Key Considerations in social media (AHS, n.d-a.)

AHS' Code of Conduct applies to online and social media interaction. The Code of Conduct is based on five principles (AHS, 2016):

• Treat people with respect, compassion, dignity and fairness

• Be open, honest and loyal

• Act ethically and uphold professional standards

• Take responsibility for our own actions and expect the same of others

• Respect confidentiality and privacy

To post, or not to post?

Five questions to ask myself before I post (AHS n.d.-b):

• Does this post contain personal health information about my clients?

• Does this post contain personal information about my co-workers?

• Does this post contain confidential AHS business information?

• Is there a more appropriate venue to share this information or make this comment? (i.e. concerns about the workplace)

• Will this post negatively reflect on my profession or professionalism?

If there is a 'no' to any of the questions above, then I should not post.

In conclusion, social media is an excellent way to promote health and convey health information as it transfers quickly and is accessible to the public. After learning what to consider to maintain professionalism within social media, I have gained more confidence in developing a professional presence.

References:

Alberta Health Services (AHS). (n.d.-a). Social Media: Ethical and Practical Considerations for Health Care.

Retrieved from: https://insite.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/comm/sm/comm-sm-ethics.pdf

Alberta Health Services (AHS). (n.d.-b). Social Media - Think Before You Post.

Retrieved from: https://insite.albertahealthservices.ca/Main/assets/tls/infocare/tls-infocare-social-media-privacy-considerations-think-before-you-post.pdf#search=social%20media%20considerations

Alberta Health Services (AHS). (2011). Social Media Policy.

Retrieved from: https://extranet.ahsnet.ca/teams/policydocuments/1/clp-ahs-pol-social-media.pdf

Alberta Health Services (AHS). (2016). Code of Conduct.

Retrieved from: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/about/policies/ahs-pub-code-of-conduct.pdf

College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA). (n.d.-a). Standards of Practice.

Retrieved from: https://www.carta.ca/about/standards-of-practice.aspx

College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA). (n.d.-b).

Code of Ethics.

Retrieved from: https://www.carta.ca/about/code-of-ethics.aspx

Government of Alberta. (2022). Health Professions Act.

Retrieved from: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=H07.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779828425