# Social media best practices for the spine care professional

## TL;DR

This paper outlines 32 best practices for spine care professionals using social media to communicate with patients and colleagues.

## Contribution

Presents a thematic framework of best practices for social media use in spine care.

## Key findings

- Thirty-two best practice statements are organized into four themes for spine care professionals.
- Social media offers both advantages and challenges for communication in spine care.
- Best practices cover compliance, professionalism, security, and spine care-specific use.

## Abstract

Physicians, allied health clinicians, scientists, and industry partners’ use of social media has grown exponentially, permeating across all levels of healthcare delivery and practice. Spine care professionals can interact with both professional and patient audiences across social media platforms.

This article aims to narratively outline social media best practices for the spine care professional.

Thirty-two social media best practice statements are presented to help guide spine care professionals. The best practice statements are thematically organized: (1) Compliance and Confidentiality, (2) Professionalism, (3) Security and Access, and (4) Spine Care.

Social media represents a broadcasting platform for communication between clinicians and patients alike, presenting with it numerous advantages and challenges. As spine care professionals we must learn how to engage in its utilization in both educational and professional-social environments.