GPs should put confidentiality clauses around social media in their staff contracts, says MPS

Last year 94% of the practices MPS visited while conducting Clinical Risk Self Assessments (CRSAs), had issues around confidentiality. Of those practices, 40% did not include a clause regarding the use of social media.

Julie Price, MPS Clinical Risk Programme Manager, said: “In reviewing the top risks for 2014, issues around confidentiality, communication, and prescribing were still the most pressing, but we also noticed a growing theme where technology was contributing to the risks in these areas.

“Social media can be a useful tool in keeping patients informed about the practice and its services. However, we found that in 40% of practices we visited, confidentiality clauses for staff did not include a clause regarding the use of social media sites. Without this, what might seem like a harmless comment on a social network site could jeopardise the confidentiality of a patient.”

According to Julie Price, all practice staff at the practice should receive and sign a copy of the confidentiality clause, including the practice-employed cleaner.

She added: “As well as ensuring a confidentiality clause is in the contract of practice staff, it is important to remind them that confidentiality should be maintained even after they no longer work at the practice. Ensure that all staff receive regular training on the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.”

The data was collected by MPS analysing the results of 107 CRSAs of general practices conducted in 2014.

For more information read the MPS press release

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