COLLEGE UPDATES SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE FOR PROFESSION
VISIT CVO. ORG / HUB FOR GUIDANCE WITH YOUR ETHICAL DILEMMAS
COLLEGE UPDATES SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE FOR PROFESSION
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If a veterinarian is obtaining client consent to share an animal’ s case story, be sure the client understands and agrees to what information will be shared. Consent from clients can be verbal or written. If a veterinarian chooses to get verbal consent, it should be documented in the patient record that consent was obtained. Posting pet photos or case stories on a clinic’ s website or social media should not be used as testimonials.
When someone posts a negative review on social media or a third-party review site, a suggestion is to move the conversation off-line by asking the individual to contact the practice directly. The College has no regulatory authority over third-party websites. To remove a negative review, contact the thirdparty review site, or seek legal advice depending on the circumstances.
ETHICS RESOURCES HUB
Even when they are off duty, a veterinarian’ s conduct can still affect their reputation, the reputation of their workplace, and the profession. It is important to apply the principles above when posting on social media outside of the workplace context.
We are all aware of examples of situations when a controversial post has gone viral. Things can quickly spiral out of a person’ s control and be picked up by the broader media. Before posting something that may seem questionable, ask yourself if you would want it to be viewed by your boss, your clients, or shared with media outlets. Be proactive by putting practices in place for you and your veterinary team about social media use that will uphold professionalism and the public trust.
References: – Guidance on the Use of Social Media – Code of Ethics
VISIT CVO. ORG / HUB FOR GUIDANCE WITH YOUR ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Moral conflicts arise in daily practice- even in the most challenging ethical issue, a veterinarian must decide on the course of action that will best address the situation Throughout the Ethics Resource Hub, you will find online resources, including tools and frameworks, discussions, case scenarios and a library, to assist you in building your skills in ethical decision-making.
AVAILABLE ONLINE
Veterinary Facility Accreditation Emblem
The College’ s facility accreditation program supports safe patient care. All facilities where veterinary medicine is practised in Ontario must meet the accreditation standards established by the College.
The College offers veterinary facilities the use of a facility accreditation emblem and window decal to demonstrate to the public they are committed to veterinary health care, meet the accreditation requirements and support the College’ s inspection program.
The emblem may be displayed on your facility’ s website, and on your clinic’ s social media sites. The emblem is also available as a window decal. More than 1,500 decals have been circulated to veterinary facilities.
The social media and website emblem and window decal are available upon request by contacting the College or submit your request online at cvo. org / getemblem. For further information: – Ethics Resource Hub – Ethics E-Learning Module
THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARIANS OF ONTARIO |
College of Veterinarians of Ontario 2106 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1L 1G6 Phone:( 519) 824-5600 | Toll-free: 1-800-424-2856 Fax:( 519) 824-6497 | Toll-free fax: 1-888-662-9479 inquiries @ cvo. org |
Editor: Jan Robinson
Assistant to the Editor: Kim Huson
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College Connection is the official publication of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, informing members on regulatory issues, with the expectation that members will govern themselves accordingly. College Connection is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive, accurate and defensible information. |
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