Welcome to Shaping Success, a series where we introduce and explain the importance of a work-related topic that helps promote success at Circle of Care.
In this edition, we’re going to cover the topic of Social Media Use.
Knowing Where to Draw the Line
Note that the names have been changed in this story.
Erin, a PSW who worked with Circle of Care for several years and has built a great rapport with many of her clients and enjoys capturing moments from her workday. Erin often take photos with clients during visits. She recently posted several of these pictures on her personal Instagram account, which is publicly accessible. Erin did not ask for consent from the clients or their families before taking or posting the photos.
This online behaviour is inappropriate whether the behaviour is directly associated with Circle of Care or not. Client privacy is incredibly important and must always be at the forefront of every decision made regarding client care. Staff must obtain authorization to take pictures, produce video, or record sound of the client or caregiver and under the direction of management at COFC. Otherwise, any photography or videography taken without consent is a violation of client privacy laws.
Expectations for You
Employees are expected to always act professionally and respectfully to clients while also maintaining therapeutic boundaries. Being therapeutic is the same as being professional or performing duties in a professional manner. It is inappropriate for an employee to use client interactions for personal social media content. At no point an employee should engage in use of photography, video recording, voice recording without client consent or manager permission.
Any photography or videography taken by a staff member of a Circle of Care client must be done so with the expressed permission of the client or their caregiver. A Media Release form should be given to the client and signed before any photos or videos are taken. Circle of Care staff wishing to take client photos and/or videos must notify the Communications Department (communications.grp@circleofcare.com).
Photos taken in the scope of client care or visits are prohibited from being posted to personal social media accounts by any Circle of Care employee, student, or volunteer under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). Employees found in violation of this policy and law will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Please refer to the Client Privacy page on PSW Portal for more information.