Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay

The integration of technology in the healthcare system has become a crucial component in the delivery of patient care. The advancements in HIT have facilitated the sharing of patient information between patients and healthcare professionals. Consequently, new discussions revolving around medical ethics patient privacy, and confidentiality arise.

In the 21^st century, the use of social media has become part of the healthcare system and patients can freely share their health information through the platforms. Nurses and providers should ensure privacy and confidentiality of patient health information at all times. This can be achieved by adhering to government and institutional privacy policies including HITECH and HIPPA. According to Hoffman (2022), the HIPPA rule directs that nurses and providers should not disclose patient information to other parties and can only do so if the patient gives consent. For example, if a relative rather than the patient’s proxy requests for a patient health information, the nurse should acquire a signed HIPPA release from the patient. Adhering to such rules will help keep patient information private and confidential. Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay

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Privacy rules in healthcare may arise due to the advancement and integration of technology in healthcare delivery. Healthcare institutions are implementing electronic health records to manage and store patient information. This creates the need to implement data consent models and technical measures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. According to (Basil et al., 2022) adopting technical measures such as encryption and security audit protects against access to information by unauthorized parties. In addition, organizations also implement physical safeguards such as control of access to institutional devices to protect patient information.

Ethical concerns that may arise related to sharing information online revolve around privacy and security. It is important that patients understand how their health information is shared and managed and they must provide meaningful consent to sharing the information with third parties. Health data may include sensitive information that if it gets into the wrong hands, can compromise a patient’s health. Organizations should integrate protocols to safeguard patient information from data breaches. Such as complying with HITECH regulations and implementing technical protocols such as encryption codes to protect patient information. Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay

A major benefit of social media in healthcare is that it facilitates communication and education between patients and providers. Through social media platforms, providers share information with their patients and create a medium for engagement and communication before physical appointments. Wong et al. (2020) identify that social media has been a medium of communication during the pandemic and as international organizations such as WHO rapidly disseminate information and reports through the platforms. However, a major drawback with social media is misinformation as patients can access information from users completely unknown to them. This setback can be addressed by encouraging patients to get information from verified websites such as WHO among others.

Social media platforms impact patient and provider relations both positively and negatively. Positively, social media platforms promote patient-provider relations as they provide a platform for patient education, support, and engagement which facilitates the sharing of valuable patient information. On the other hand, it also negatively affects the patient-provider relationship as it may physical engagement is reduced which may negatively affect patient-provider dynamics. Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay

Social media has been an effective tool in facilitating patient-centered care. Through different platforms, patients access health information and can engage with providers. This empowers patients to take part in their own healthcare decisions. In addition, through the platforms, patients can organize appointments with their providers at their convenience. This facilitates communication, timely feedback, and patient education which are all components of patient-centered care. Thus, social media significantly promotes patient-centric care.

References

Basil, N. N., Ambe, S., Ekhator, C., & Fonkem, E. (2022). Health Records Database and inherent security concerns: A review of the literature. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30168 Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay

Hoffman, S. (2022). Privacy and security — protecting patients’ health information. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(21), 1913–1916. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp2201676

Wong, A., Ho, S., Olusanya, O., Antonini, M. V., & Lyness, D. (2020). The use of social media and online communications in times of pandemic covid-19. Journal of the Intensive Care Society, 22(3), 255–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1751143720966280

Considering today’s privacy rules, how can you be expected to maintain confidentiality when patients are sharing data so freely? How might privacy rules evolve? What ethical concerns do you have about the sharing of health data online?
What are the strengths and challenges of using social media in healthcare? How do you think social media affects the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers? Do you think social media is part of patient-centric care? Privacy and Confidentiality with Social Media Essay