Dubai doctors must separate personal and professional social media accounts

DHA-licensed healthcare professionals using social media for medical advertisements must keep their personal and professional accounts separate, according to standards issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Healthcare professionals must clearly state their name, title, professional qualification and speciality as listed on their DHA licence and should not use names or speciality titles that differ from those on their DHA licence. The title or prefix 'Dr. or Doctor' can be used only by physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals holding a recognised Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Healthcare professionals must provide information that is truthful, accurate, concise, up to date and easy to understand, supported by current international best practice in medicine, peer-reviewed literature and recognised scientific and clinical sources. They must clearly indicate whether information is based on scientific studies, expert consensus, professional experience or personal opinion, and must disclose any financial, professional or personal information that could influence patients' understanding. Healthcare professionals must protect patient privacy and confidentiality, obtain informed consent before disclosing health-related information, and avoid identifying patients. Social media medical advertisements must not provide misleading or deceptive information, create fear about health, or exploit patients' vulnerability.