Doctors who use social media to share 'misleading' information could be struck off in an update to the 'Hippocratic Oath'. The General Medical Council (GMC) are primed to investigate a doctor's posts on Facerbook Twitter, Instagram and TikTok if reported.
The GMC's Good Medical Practice guide - a modern-day Hippocratic Oath - is being updated for the first time in almost ten years, reports the Guardian. A recent draft says that doctors must “be honest and trustworthy, make clear the limits of their knowledge [and] make reasonable checks to make sure any information given is not misleading”
This wouid cover doctors who criticise Covid vaccines or lockdown policies on social media. The guide also now says doctors must speak out if they encounter 'toxic' workplace cultures that threaten patient safety, and take action if they encounter workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC, said: "Good medical practice is the bedrock that helps guide ethical practice and supports doctors to provide the best possible care in a world of increasingly complex medicine,” said
“This update is intended to be relevant and helpful to medical professionals, and to benefit patients, now and for years ahead. There is a lot of evidence of the damage bad workplace cultures can do to patient safety and, ultimately, to the UK’s ability to retain the healthcare professionals it needs.”
A list of 12 overarching commitments has also been proposed for addition to the guidance for the first time. The proposed update says: 'As a medical professional I will:
- Make the care of patients my first concern.
- Work effectively with colleagues in ways that best serve the interests of patients.
- Act promptly if I think the safety, dignity or comfort of patients or colleagues are being compromised.
- Treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity and privacy.
- Listen to, support and work in partnership with patients, to help them to make informed decisions about their care.
- Provide a good standard of practice and care, and be honest and open when things go wrong.
- Work within my competence and keep my knowledge and skills up to date.
- Demonstrate leadership as appropriate to my role, and work with others to make healthcare more supportive, inclusive and fair.
- Protect and promote the health of patients and the public.
- Act with honesty and integrity.
- Never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues.
- Make sure my conduct justifies my patients’ trust in me and the public’s trust in my profession.'
