Perceptions of healthcare providers regarding ethical guidelines on social media in a children's ward in Malawi

Abstract

Introduction - Children are considered a vulnerable population with the right to a safe environment and protection from harm. They also have the right to privacy and protection against exposure on social media, especially when they are hospitalised. Nurses and other healthcare providers need to comply with guidelines, policies or protocols that guide the use of social media when rendering care to hospitalised children. Aim - The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of healthcare providers of ethical guidelines regarding social media in a designated children’s ward in Malawi. Methods - A qualitative research design was used. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 16 participants, using a structured interview guideline based on the ethical guidelines for social media usage of the International Council of Nurses, adapted for a children’s ward. The data was transcribed verbatim, organised, analysed, and themes were formulated, supported by literature. Results – Three focus groups of sixteen participants were conducted. Three themes were formulated from the findings as follows: • Utilization of social media in the children’s ward under which these subthemes were discussed; Education purposes; Consultation; Solving problems and Communication. • Risks of social media in the children’s ward under which these subthemes were discussed; Issues related to children’s rights; Conflict; Psychological disorders and Negligence. • Management of non-consensual taking and sharing of child patient photos under which these subthemes were discussed; removing photos from social media; informing social media users.

Conclusion – Understanding the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding ethical guidelines on social media is expected to assist the management of the children’s ward to develop strategies and priorities on how the use of social media can be managed.