Walking the TikTok Tightrope: Social Media Use by Healthcare Professionals

The following is a guest article by Alexandra V. Aglieco, APRN, FNP-BC What compels established, well-respected healthcare professionals to post insensitive, ridiculing content on social media with no regard for the patient or family? Do they see a unique opportunity for exponential TikTok views, and subsequently disregarded professional standards? Social media has successfully infiltrated nearly every industry, and healthcare is no exception. New forms of social media, such as TikTok, have opened the floodgates to an entirely new manner of healthcare professional conduct online, with an attitude that is much more open to sharing with the masses. “NurseTok” is a specific category of videos on the app; a preexisting niche providing a way for nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide tailored content to an already invested audience. These online platforms can undoubtedly be catalysts for quality improvement in the healthcare field. The accessibility and universality of social media provides a unique opportunity to reach a broad audience. It eliminates geographical boundaries and allows for the provision of education to those who would otherwise not have access. An online space to spread awareness and impart important medical knowledge to the masses is upon us. That is, if it is used properly. TikTok specifically has created a new subculture of putting everything online, even what may be considered undignified in real life. The format of the app shows users the vi...
Source: EMR and HIPAA - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Healthcare IT Hospital - Health System Accessibility Alexandra V. Aglieco Healthcare Social Media Healthcare TikTok HIPAA professionalism Source Type: blogs