DOCTORS have been reminded to be careful about what they post online after concerns that some were sharing confidential patient information via social media.
The Medical Defence Union (MDU), which represents more than half of the UK's doctors, has seen an increase of 40% in calls from members in relation to the internet and social media, and warns that doctors must be cautious about the information they choose to share.
MDU adviser Dr Richenda Tisdale says: "Social media can be a force for good in medicine, for example, by helping doctors to network more effectively and giving patients access to more healthcare information. But there are risks too, particularly when it comes to confidentiality. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are informal environments and so it is easy for doctors to let their guard down."
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