The one-page document entitled ‘Demonstrating professionalism online’ explains that “pharmacy professionals have the same responsibilities and obligations when interacting online as they do when interacting face-to-face”.

The factsheet includes a list of dos and don’ts regarding how to act on social media, with instructions such as “don’t get drawn into negative, unconstructive discussions”, and “do think before you post”.

"Gone too far"

The Pharmacists' Defence Association said the GPhC had "gone too far" with the guidance, which was published online on July 15. 

The group has previously criticised the GPhC’s efforts to "regulate" the way pharmacists communicate with patients, describing its suggestions for body language and tone of voice as “Orwellian”.

A spokesperson for the GPhC told C+D that the social media advice was not in response to any specific incident of misconduct online, but was “supplementary guidance” to the regulator's standards of conduct, ethics and performance.

“We thought it would be useful to provide this reminder that the principles of standards of conduct, ethics and performance – in particular Standard 3, showing respect for others; and Standard 6, being honest and trustworthy – also apply to social media,” the spokesperson added. 

In the document, the GPhC recognises that “social media is a powerful way for pharmacy professionals to collaborate with their peers, colleagues and the general public”. But the regaultor also warned pharmacists that social media can blur professional and personal boundaries.

“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,” the GPhC said.

Reader reaction

Some pharmacists on social media welcomed the GPhC document, while others questioned whether the guidance distracted from the real issues around pharmacists' professional conduct.

Here are a few of the online comments: