Smartphones are universal; therefore, it is rare that any moment goes by without an urge to peek at the latest social site message, beyond phone calls and texting. However, it can cause major problems in a healthcare setting if staff members use their smartphones to access social media. In this regard, many hospitals staff are instructed to leave their phones turned off in their lockers during work hours.
While some practices allow using smartphones during breaks but within specific guidelines. For example: No protected patient or other office-related data can appear anywhere on the personal social media accounts of the staff. The staff members should not use their social media account to give medical advice, information, scheduling, test results, or any other practice-related communications.
