Social media is a part of our everyday lives, and some occupational therapists—like many people—have a social media presence. As regulated health professionals, occupational therapists hold a position of trust and respect in society. Your personal online presence should also foster trust and mutual respect while maintaining the necessary professionalism.
Here are our top 3 tips for helping ensure your social media presence maintains the values of the occupational therapy profession:
- Consider a potential client (particularly a client that might come from a different background than yourself)—what would they think if they viewed your post?
- Wait at least 24 hours before you post—many social media posts are made in haste or reaction; allowing ourselves time to think, reflect, and calm down may alter our view.
- Have someone else read or view a potential post, particularly if it is a topic of current debate
For more guidance, see the College’s Use of Social Media document and Code of Ethics. You can also reach out to our Practice Team if you have any questions.