TikTok is a social media platform that has taken the world by storm, and healthcare workers are no exception. While TikTok can be a great way for healthcare workers to share their experiences and connect with others in the industry, it’s important to remember that certain etiquette rules should be followed to maintain professionalism and patient respect.
Here are some tips to share with your healthcare workers regarding TikTok:
Follow HIPAA Guidelines
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of patients’ personal health information. Healthcare workers need to be aware of HIPAA guidelines and ensure that they do not violate any patient privacy rules while using TikTok. This means avoiding sharing any identifying information about patients, including their names, faces, or medical information. [1]
Avoid Using Work Facilities or Uniforms
To maintain professionalism and respect for the workplace, it’s important for healthcare workers to avoid using work facilities or uniforms in their TikTok videos. This includes using hospital hallways, patient rooms, or any other part of the facility as a backdrop for videos. It’s also important to avoid wearing scrubs or any other work-related clothing that may identify the healthcare worker as an employee. [2]
Keep it Positive and Educational
TikTok can be a great way for healthcare workers to share their experiences and educate the public about healthcare-related topics. However, it’s important to keep the content positive and educational. Avoid sharing negative or inappropriate content that could damage the reputation of the healthcare worker, co-worker, organization, or patient(s). [3]
Get Consent
If a healthcare worker wants to share a patient’s story or experience on TikTok, it’s important to obtain their consent from the patient/family first as well as organizational management. This means explaining the purpose of the video, what information will be shared, and how it will be used. Your organization may have a marketing or development team that should be handling these types of stories and may have a procedure to follow legally. It’s also important to respect the patient’s decision if they do not want their story shared. [4]
Remember Your Professional Role
It’s important for healthcare workers to remember their professional role when using TikTok. This means avoiding behavior that could be seen as unprofessional or disrespectful, such as making fun of patients or their medical conditions. Healthcare workers should also avoid sharing confidential information about their workplace or colleagues. [5]
Healthcare workers can use TikTok to connect with others in the industry and share their personal experiences, but it’s important to follow certain etiquette rules to maintain professionalism and respect for patients, families and your organization. By following these guidelines, healthcare workers can use TikTok in a responsible and ethical way.