Inappropriate or Unprofessional: Should Health Professionals be sharing their Personal Views Freely?
- Farah Ismail
- Mar 13, 2021
- 1 min read
Over the last few months, several media outlets have shared stories of health professionals who have spread false and misleading information regarding COVID-19 that is contrary to local, provincial and federal public health authorities. The pandemic has highlighted the long standing responsibility that health professionals have to share accurate information with the public at large. In this space, there is no division between personal and professional views.
As healthcare organizations continue to navigate the ever changing landscape that COVID-19 has emphasized, educating staff about the importance of this topic will help mitigate risk.
Specifically, staff should be reminded to:
Pause and think before sharing views that conflict with public health measures
Acknowledge that their opinions may have greater influence on the public who may be unable to decipher between conflicting medical guidance
Be aware that engaging in practices that run contrary to public health guidance may result in employment/regulatory investigations and public outcomes
See the following links for specific examples of health professionals who have been held accountable:
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