AHPRA's draft social media policy: sensible advice or attack on freedom of speech?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for the regulation of nursing and midwifery in Australia, amongst other professions. AHPRA has just called for feedback on a draft policy for the use of social media in healthcare. The draft policy has been taken off the AHPRA website but can be found here: http://www.impactednurse.com/pics5/somedraft.pdf

I am in the throes of preparing a response, as a practitioner who successfully (or so I think) uses social media, and has learned a few lessons along the way.

Let me say right from the start....I welcome all comments and advice about using social media with respect, and following all rules and regulations about patient privacy and confidentiality. I am also delighted to see that APHRA has acknowledged the rise of social media.  I am also making these comments as an individual - they do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian College of Midwives.

My initial reaction to this draft policy is the underlying premise is that social media is a very risky activity for health professionals to engage with, and demonstrates a lack of understanding of how social media can be used - to increase communication, collaboration, transparency, sharing, research, education and community engagement. There is a lack of understanding of how consumers want health practitioners to engage with them.

The draft policy ignores the fact that social media is so much a part of life now. Instead of educating practitioners to use it professionally and effectively, it is taking a punitive approach. This will not work because social media is so embedded in what we do, and it is impossible to tease out our private use from the public use. It will also be impossible to police.

One of my main recommendations is to turn this policy on its head, and take the opportunity to educate practitioners in a positive way, using guidelines. I have always appreciated the UK NMC's guidelines - they offer practical advice, yet recognise the benefits of social media. Another recommendation will be for AHPRA to work with practitioners and consumers who are currently working effectively and professionally with social media, in order to educate themselves, as well as pick their brains about the issues.

For other views, see Impacted Nurse, writing "New AHPRA social media policy: we may be in big trouble here", and the comments that come after this post by Croakey, "Is AHPRA on the right track re social media use by health professionals? A chance to let them know your views…"

Please let me know what you think?

• Is AHPRA uninformed about social media, or is it right to be so concerned about practitioners' use of SM? 
• Is AHPRA unrealistic in its expectations, or has it completely missed the point of social media?
• Is AHPRA attacking freedom of speech and our ability to advocate and discuss healthcare practice in public, or is it right to suggest we should not wash our dirty laundry for all to see?
• Will the policy be a supportive measure, or drive practitioners use of social media "under-ground"?

I'd love to hear your views. Or, contact AHPRA directly: socialmediaconsult@ahpra.gov.au by the 14th September - public consultation will occur in October/November.

Image: '50 Social Media Icons'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10883933@N07/3652495533
Found on flickrcc.net