As the world becomes increasingly digital with more people online and using social media, it’s become one of the easiest and effective ways for people to communicate, share their opinions and find out what’s going in the world.
In January 2024, the UK had 56.2 million social media users which represents around 82.8% of the population, a significant increase since January 2020 when the UK had around 45 million social media users.
Read more: US pharmacy student wins $250k payout after expulsion threat over Cardi B ‘WAP’ tweets
An everlasting digital record of what you post online can cause issues, as a US pharmacy student found out when she was threatened with expulsion after tweeting explicit Cardi B lyrics.
Although in a startling twist she sued the university and won a $250k payout because of the threat to expel her.
In light of this astonishing payout, C+D looks at what the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has set out in its standards for how the pharmacy sector should behave online.
Social media “blurs the boundaries”
The GPhC guidance says it “expects pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to use good judgement and behave professionally when using social media”.
“Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have the same responsibilities and obligations when interacting online as they do when interacting face-to-face,” it adds.
While it acknowledges how social media is “a powerful way … to collaborate with their peers, colleagues and the general public”, this can “blur the boundaries between personal and professional use” for pharmacy workers.
Read more: Trainee pharmacist fined after ‘antisemitic’ social media post
“Always think about the expectations and perceptions of patients, colleagues, and employers. Remember that anything you say online can be easily copied and redistributed and can be taken out of context.
“This can affect public confidence and trust in pharmacy professionals. Be prepared to challenge poor behaviours and raise concerns with appropriate individuals or organisations when needed.”
Here is the GPhC checklist of “do’s” and “don’ts” for online behaviour:
Do:
- act professionally
- treat people with respect
- maintain confidentiality and privacy at all times
- maintain proper professional boundaries
- think before you post, privacy settings do not mean that something will remain private and a statement that these are your own views means little in practice
Don’t:
- bully, harass or intimidate
- unlawfully discriminate
- post inappropriate comments
- share information about patients or their care
- get drawn into negative, unconstructive discussions
Last month a trainee pharmacist was fined more than £1,000 after pleading guilty to posting a “grossly offensive” and “hateful antisemitic” message on social media.
