Social networks, privacy, confidentiality and ethics: exhibition of pictures of patients on Facebook

This investigation aimed to study exhibition of patients on Facebook promoted by doctors and dentists. Data were gathered between the months of August and September 2013, through retrospectively selecting 39 images that had been published by 17 professionals. In these images, it was possible to identify situations of breach of confidentiality and/or privacy. The principle of respect for individuals' privacy and confidentiality forms part of the main international documents relating to the field of ethics. Both the State and professional bodies have an obligation to protect victims from exhibition of images that compromise the inalienable right to privacy. This study emphasizes that such exposure has negative consequences for patients, healthcare professions and society. It is recommended that this issue should be addressed by all teachers across their institution, with discussions stimulated and guided by the disciplines of Bioethics.