Sometimes it’s TMI
An Oregon doctor slams healthcare workers for over-sharing patient details online, particularly in TikTok videos. She calls out the trend of making ‘day in the life’ videos, which, in her opinion, reveal too much about their patients. Several have taken to the comments, sharing how social media medical professionals have given them anxiety.
The Oregon doctor specifically addresses medical workers “who film at work” and discuss the procedure they allegedly just did. She states this is a HIPAA violation as it reveals too many unique details: “It’s you, it’s that date, it’s where you work.” At times, healthcare workers allege they make up the content. However, she argues that people watching don’t know that. Instead, they think, “Oh, this doctor: I’m their content.” In her opinion, this has a negative effect.
@drjenniferlincoln
You can still teach in these squares…but it doesn’t need to have your patient as part of the plot. Patients, appropriately so, are already distrustful of us. They see videos where body parts are are mocked, for example. They’re already worried about coming in. 🚩Don’t add *them* not wanting to be *your* content to that list of things that keep them out of your office or unit. ❓Is asking for privacy really that controversial?? #docsoftiktok #hipaa #dayinthelife #doctordayinthelife #medstudenttiktok
♬ original sound – Dr. Jennifer Lincoln
She states there’s a difference if the patient has explicitly permitted their information to be posted. However, there are unfortunately so many healthcare workers on TikTok that allegedly overshare. One example the Oregon doctor uses is of a midwife: “The amount of details she shared was like a sign-out report.” She claims patients are already deciding not to get medical help. So seeing their private information as content could keep them from needed treatment. She argues, “If they’re worried that you’re going to make a day in the life about them without their consent, that’s another reason [patients] may avoid us.” Her video has over 72,000 views and over 5,000 likes.
Many Think Oregon Doctor Makes A Point
Several believe she has a point, and that social media creation has gotten out of control. One says, “I think nurses need to stop doing this as well. It’s so out of control that people are terrified to get medical care.” Another argues that healthcare workers don’t want to hear they’re doing something wrong. They state, “This app is FILLED with HIPAA violations, but if you try to tell them, you get dragged.” One commenter points out that there are also other violations of privacy, simply stating, “And: Stop. Filming. In. Surgery.”
Meanwhile, several admit that if they knew their provider was posting about them, they’d stop going to the doctor. One states, “The worst days of my life being monetized for someone else’s gain would break me.” Another agrees, “If I saw a video from a doctor talking about one of the worst days of my life, I would truly never seek medical attention again.” One commenter states they have avoided going to the dentist “because of all the people making fun of dental patients on social media.”
The Oregon doctor clarifies that the patient’s name need not be provided for this to constitute a violation. The video simply needs to have identifiable information such as date, doctor, and location.
