Social media use for healthcare professionals in South Africa: The do’s and don’ts

Abstract

Social media has become a dominant mode of communication, education and advocacy in healthcare, offering healthcare professionals (HCPs) opportunities to connect with peers, patients and the public. However, its use carries significant ethical, legal and professional responsibilities. In South Africa, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has responded to these challenges with updated guidance in Booklet 16: Ethical Guidelines on Social Media. This CPD article synthesises HPCSA guidance and complementary resources into a practical framework for responsible social media use by HCPs. The proposed framework: ‘Protect Patients, Protect Yourself, Protect the Profession’, offers actionable recommendations to ensure that online conduct upholds patient rights, safeguards professional integrity and maintains public trust in healthcare. By integrating HPCSA guidelines with international resources such as the World Medical Association’s statement on social media and secure communication platforms such as Celo and Hucu, this article provides HCPs with a structured approach to navigating the complexities of digital professionalism.