The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) has introduced a guide for doctors and medical students that will help them in using online social media with professional standards.

`Social Media and the Medical Profession', the guide is an outcome of joint efforts of the Australian Medical Association, the NZMA, the New Zealand Medical Students' Association, and the Australian Medical Students' Association.

The need to develop a guide was felt, as with the increasing use of online media there is threat to medical professionals, in case of its inadequate use.

"The guide is intended to assist doctors and medical students to continue to enjoy the online world safely. Ethical issues continue to apply such as patient confidentiality and the doctor-patient boundary. Maintaining professionalism is essential", said NZMA Chair, Dr. Peter Foley.

The guide suggests the medical professional to be vigil when posting information online about colleagues or employers. The information should not reveal anything about patient or situation and the privacy settings on social networking sites should be made such that patients cannot peep into doctor's profile.

Such precautions will help doctors and medical students to enjoy social media freely and protectively. Thus, they will be at ease while accessing their Facebook accounts or posting on their personal blogs.