Staff contracts should contain a confidentiality clause around social media
Post date: 23/02/2015 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/11/2018
GPs should put confidentiality clauses around social media in their staff contracts, says MPS
Last year 94% of the practices MPS visited while conducting Clinical Risk Self Assessments (CRSAs), had issues around confidentiality. Of those practices, 40% did not include a clause regarding the use of social media.
Julie Price, MPS Clinical Risk Programme Manager, said: “In reviewing the top risks for 2014, issues around confidentiality, communication, and prescribing were still the most pressing, but we also noticed a growing theme where technology was contributing to the risks in these areas.
“Social media can be a useful tool in keeping patients informed about the practice and its services. However, we found that in 40% of practices we visited, confidentiality clauses for staff did not include a clause regarding the use of social media sites. Without this, what might seem like a harmless comment on a social network site could jeopardise the confidentiality of a patient.”
According to Julie Price, all practice staff at the practice should receive and sign a copy of the confidentiality clause, including the practice-employed cleaner.
She added: “As well as ensuring a confidentiality clause is in the contract of practice staff, it is important to remind them that confidentiality should be maintained even after they no longer work at the practice. Ensure that all staff receive regular training on the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.”
The data was collected by MPS analysing the results of 107 CRSAs of general practices conducted in 2014.
For more information read the MPS press release
Back to all GP articles
Please note: Medical Protection does not maintain this article and therefore the advice given may be incorrect or out of date, and may not constitute a definitive or complete statement of the legal, regulatory and/or clinical environment. MPS accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the advice given, in particular where the legal, regulatory and/or clinical environment has changed. Articles are not intended to constitute advice in any specific situation, and if you are a member you should contact Medical Protection for tailored advice. All implied warranties and conditions are excluded, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
