Navigating Social Media in Healthcare

Social media has become a powerful tool in healthcare, offering significant benefits such as enhanced patient education, community support, and improved health outcomes through accessible health information and direct communication with healthcare professionals. However, these benefits are accompanied by substantial risks, particularly concerning privacy, confidentiality, and ethical standards. This paper examines the benefits and challenges of social media in healthcare, explores legal and ethical guidelines—including HIPAA and ANA standards—and evaluates the application of theoretical frameworks such as principlism and care ethics to guide decision-making. Additionally, it integrates a biblical worldview, emphasizing compassion, discretion, and integrity to navigate social media use responsibly. By balancing benefits with ethical considerations, healthcare professionals can maximize social media’s positive impact while maintaining professional integrity and safeguarding patient trust.

Keywords: Social media, healthcare, patient education, HIPAA, patient confidentiality, nursing ethics, principlism, care ethics, patient privacy, professional boundaries, health communication, ANA guidelines, digital healthcare, biblical worldview, online behavior, community support, ethical decision-making, healthcare leadership.