Smartphone and Social Media Usage in the Healthcare Profession Research Paper

Smartphone and Social Media Usage in the Healthcare Profession - Research Paper Example As the report declares to put the issue of social media and Smartphone usage into context, it is essential to understand HIPAA requirements on the same. HIPAA privacy rule 164.502 states that a covered entity or any of its associate may not use or disclose cosseted health information, except as permitted or required by sub-article C of 160 of this rule. Sub article C outlines the circumstances under which, a medic or a medical entity can release a patient’s personal information. According to the essay findings the exceptions for disclosure are highly limited to criminal activity on the part of the patient. In essence therefore, social media and Smartphone use by medics seems to read from different pages with HIPAA. While social media is geared towards sharing one’s surrounding environment, HIPAA overrules such disclosure and can lead to serious consequences including license cancellation. From a medic’s perspective, Smartphones and social media can be a great mental relaxation tool, which in turn helps one assist patients better. By nature of their work, healthcare professionals have to work long hours. This causes mental and emotional strain, which if unchecked can lead to reduced concentration, and negative consequences to the patients. With the advent of social media, a medic can now get in touch with family and friends and release some work related steam. A light moment with a friend while on a ten minute break can go a long way in rejuvena ting a medic.