Doctors could be struck off for spreading fake news on vaccines and lockdowns | The Telegraph - Laura Donnelly:
April 27, 2022 - "Doctors who criticise vaccines or lockdown policies on social media could face being struck off if regulators rule they are guilty of spreading fake news.... The core guidance for medics has been updated for the first time in almost a decade to cover media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The rules on use of social media include a duty to be 'honest' and 'not to mislead', as well as to avoid abuse or bullying.
"The draft regulations from the General Medical Council (GMC) - which the watchdog describes as a 21st-century version of the Hippocratic Oath - also say doctors must speak out if they encounter 'toxic' workplace cultures that threaten patient safety. And they say medics must take action if they encounter workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination.
"The watchdog regulates doctors, who can face a range of sanctions - including being struck off the medical register - if they are found to have failed in their duties.
Charlie Massey, the chief executive of the GMC, said ... the fundamental principles of the guidance remained the same, but had been updated to reflect the modern world. 'We’ve had feedback that doctors want more clarity on using social media. We are already clear that doctors must be honest and trustworthy in their communications, and are now emphasising that this applies to all forms of communication. The principles remain the same whether the communication is written, spoken or via social media,' he said.
"The use of social media by medics has become an increasingly vexed issue during the pandemic. In December a judge ruled that the GMC’s interim orders tribunal had made an 'error of law' when it ordered a GP accused of spreading misinformation to stop discussing Covid on social media. Dr Samuel White, who was a partner at a practice in Hampshire, raised concerns about vaccines and claimed 'masks do nothing' in a video posted last June. The GMC’s Interim Orders Tribunal imposed restrictions on Dr White's registration as a result. But the High Court said this decision was 'wrong' under human rights law....
[T]he tribunal [had] concluded Dr White's way of sharing his views 'may have a real impact on patient safety'. It found Dr White allegedly shared information to a 'wide and possibly uninformed audience' and did not give an opportunity for 'a holistic consideration of Covid-19, its implications and possible treatments'. But the GP's barrister, Francis Hoar, argued the restrictions imposed on his client's registration were a 'severe imposition' on his freedom of expression.
"The draft guidance says doctors can be held accountable for promoting misleading information or stepping outside areas of their expertise. They are told to 'be honest and trustworthy … make clear the limits of your knowledge.. [and to] make reasonable checks to make sure any information you give is not misleading. This applies to all forms of written, spoken and digital communication,' the draft guidance states.
"And doctors are warned that online rows and trolling could jeopardise their professional futures. 'You must not abuse, discriminate against, bully, exploit, or harass anyone, or condone such behaviour by others. This applies to all interactions, including on social media and networking sites,' the draft rules state."
No comments:
Post a Comment