Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Blurring the boundaries: technology and the nurse-patient relationship
1Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Nurses using social media must protect patient privacy and professional boundaries online. Careful consideration of online behavior is crucial to maintain trust and prevent harm to patient wellbeing and professional reputation.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Digital Health
- Professional Ethics
Background:
- Nurses are increasingly active on social media platforms.
- Unprofessional online conduct by nurses is a growing concern.
- Public accessibility of online behavior poses risks to patient privacy and professional identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform nurses about the risks of unprofessional online behavior.
- To emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in an e-society.
- To guide nurses in protecting patient information and professional reputation online.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on social media use in nursing.
- Analysis of ethical implications of online boundary crossing.
- Discussion of strategies for professional conduct in digital spaces.
Main Results:
- Online social media presents risks to patient confidentiality and nurse-patient relationships.
- Boundary violations can negatively impact professional identity and the nursing profession's reputation.
- Nurses need to be aware of the public nature of their online activities.
Conclusions:
- Nurses must exercise forethought regarding their social media use.
- Maintaining professional boundaries online is essential for patient safety and trust.
- Protecting private information and the nurse-patient relationship is paramount in the digital age.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...
01:23Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II
Establishing a secure, collaborative nurse-patient relationship is crucial for delivering high-quality care. This relationship, founded on trust, respect, and honesty, enhances the patient's comfort and willingness to share vital health information. For example, a nurse who listens actively and without judgment provides clear information about health conditions and treatment options and respects patient decisions, which builds a trusting relationship.
Communication between nurses and patients...
Communication between nurses and patients...
01:23Ethical Standards II
Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
The history of therapeutic communication can be traced back to Florence Nightingale, who emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships with patients. She taught that the presence of nurses with patients results in therapeutic healing.
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
01:27Ethical Issues
Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...