Social media and professionalism: a retrospective content analysis of Fitness to Practice cases heard by the GDC concerning social media complaints

Patricia Neville*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
626 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Introduction
Since 2013, all General Dental Council (GDC) registrants’ online activities have been regulated by the GDC’s social media guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines results in a Fitness to Practise (FtP) complaint being investigated.

Aims
This study explores the prevalence of social media related FtP cases investigated by the GDC from 1 September 2013 to 21 June 2016.

Method
Documentary analysis of social media related FtP cases published on the GDC’s website was undertaken. All cases that met the study’s inclusion criteria were analysed using a quantitative content analysis framework.

Findings
It was found that 2.4% of FtP cases published on the GDC website during that period were related to breaches of the social media guidelines. All of the cases investigated were proven and upheld. Most of those named in the complaints were dental nurses and the most common type of complaint was inappropriate Facebook comments.

Conclusions
The low incidence rate should be interpreted with caution, being illustrative of the types of issues that might arise rather than the volume. The GDC will need to remain vigilant in this area and ensure that social media awareness training is an active part of CPD for all the dental team.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-357
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Dental Journal
Volume223
Issue number5
Early online date8 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

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