The application of the moment is also one of the most successful social networks today. Launched in 2016 under the name of Douyin by the Chinese company ByteDance, it was introduced to the international market under the name Musical.ly, and in 2017 purchased by the company we know today: TikTok.
Since the beginning of 2018, the TikTok app has been a fever among young people and teenagers, but it has gradually been conquering users of all ages, worldwide. With TikTok, it is possible to record short videos (up to 1 minute in length), where the user can insert music, and visual and audio effects, with different filters, among other features.
With the popularization of the application, many professionals from different areas have made use of it, either to give tips on the area of activity or even to publicize their work. But when it comes to healthcare professionals, is it allowed to use TikTok? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Here on the blog, we have already commented on the restrictions applied in the use of social networks by health professionals, and all this information is also valid for TikTok. To begin with, it is important to highlight that specialty or area of expertise, together with the registration number with the Regional Council of Medicine (CRM) and the Specialization Qualification Record (RQE), if it is, must appear on the platform.
Regarding restrictions, it is prohibited to use the app for self-promotion, either stating that your work is the best on the market or guaranteeing results. Selfies and videos in work and care situations are also prohibited, especially when it comes to violating patients' privacy.
In the same context, exposing the figure of your patient as a way to disclose the technique, method, or result, even with his express authorization, as well as the publication of images of the “before and after” of procedures, it is also forbidden to the doctor and the medical assistance establishments.
And last but not least, it is also prohibited to use such an application to perform online consultations. Currently, telemedicine is an authorized practice, however, it is necessary to use safe and proper software for this, such as Ninsaúde Apolo, example. You can learn more about it in our article on choosing the ideal telemedicine software.
But after all, how can the health professional use TikTok without harming himself?
In addition to the restrictions mentioned above, there are other points to note. First of all, it is important to remember the reason why TikTok became so popular. In this application, it is very common to see users making videos of trends, that is, trends that go viral quickly and gain many views.
Among the most famous categories of TikTok trends are dances and voiceovers, including many of a sensual or humorous nature. This type of content is not well regarded by the CODAME (Brazilian Medical Affairs Disclosure Commission), because as the current president of CRM-MS, Dr. Mauricio Jafar, argued, it is necessary to avoid sensationalism, as well as appear in unseemly situations, presenting dances or simulations using the condition of a doctor.
It is worth mentioning that, what the health professional does in his private life should not be taken into account, therefore, making this type of video with the family, or between friends, as long as it does not directly involve the profession, is allowed.
Thus, the most appropriate way to use TikTok as a health professional is to bring relevant information to other users, always preserving the quality of the information and the scientific basis. Many professionals,, have been doing this dynamically without violating the rules imposed on them, and yet, as a bonus, they gain many followers and greater visibility in their area among patients.
If your specialty is gynecology, you can address myths and truths about contraceptive methods, sex, and women's health in general. If your business is nutrition, you can follow the same path, but address healthy eating, among other subjects in your area. In the area of dentistry, it is also easy to find good content to share on the social network, such as correct ways of performing oral hygiene and aesthetic procedures that are most successful, among others.
So, did you like the tips? Keep following the blog to stay on top of more content like this. Are you a healthcare professional but still don't use management software for your clinic or office? Meet Ninsaúde Apolo.