In Our Social Media Era: Ethical Considerations for Healthcare Providers
In Our Social Media Era: Ethical Considerations for Healthcare Providers
Information
Date & Time
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Description
Social media is woven into nearly every aspect of modern life, shaping how we connect, communicate, and share our experiences. For healthcare professionals, these digital spaces can offer opportunities to build community, advocate for change, and expand their marketing reach — but they also introduce new ethical gray areas and boundary challenges.
This workshop invites participants to critically examine how social media intersects with the core values of healthcare professions. Through interactive discussion, case examples, and guided reflection, attendees will explore ethical considerations related to online communication, content creation, confidentiality, self-disclosure, and professional marketing.
Grounded in professional ethical codes, the session highlights how ethical principles - such as integrity, respect for client privacy, the maintenance of appropriate professional boundaries, dual relationships, and confidentiality - apply in a digital context. Together, participants will unpack real-world dilemmas:
● What happens when a client sends a follow request or tags you online?
● How do you balance authenticity with professionalism on social platforms?
● Where’s the line between sharing educational content and revealing too much about your personal life?
This workshop is designed to be both informative and reflective, offering space for participants to share experiences and insights while deepening their understanding of ethical social media use. The goal is not to discourage engagement with digital platforms, but to foster mindful and principled participation that upholds the core values of their profession in an evolving online landscape.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Identify at least three ethical issues that arise from social media use in healthcare practice.
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Apply at least two relevant sections of their professional code of ethics to analyze and address ethical dilemmas in online communication and professional digital engagement.
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Develop an individual framework to maintain professionalism and ethical integrity while participating in or creating content for social media platforms.
Educational Goal
Target Audience
- Addiction Professional
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Nurse
- Physician
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
Presenters
Financially Sponsored By
- Aetna Better Health of Louisiana