Challenges of Professional Commitment in the Digital Age

Saeedi Tehrani, Saeedeh

Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-2 | Back to browse issues page

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Saeedi Tehrani S. Challenges of Professional Commitment in the Digital Age. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-2
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6919-en.html

Challenges of Professional Commitment in the Digital Age

Saeedeh Saeedi Tehrani ^*

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (934 Views)

Professionalism in medicine refers to adhering to principles and behaviors that uphold the dignity of patients and promote public welfare. In the digital age, maintaining these principles in cyberspace has become increasingly important, necessitating attention to ethical and legal considerations. Virtual platforms can enhance communication between doctors, patients, and the broader public, increase awareness, and facilitate educational processes. Additionally, these platforms offer opportunities for networking and the exchange of information among professionals. The rise of social media has significantly influenced professional interactions. Particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, individuals are increasingly turning to these platforms for health information. Studies reveal that the global number of internet users exceeds 3.7 billion, while in Iran, the figure surpasses 78 million. Furthermore, research highlights the significant impact of information shared by doctors on social media and other public platforms, as the public places substantial trust in this group and actively seeks accurate information from them. Ethical considerations are critical in guiding the online presence of medical professionals. This article examines professionalism in cyberspace and outlines the ethical requirements for medical professionals operating in this domain. Protecting patients' interests remains the primary obligation of professionals. Consequently, any behavior that undermines professional reputation or diminishes public trust is deemed unprofessional. Key ethical requirements for professionals in virtual spaces include:

Respecting patient confidentiality and privacy.
Upholding the good reputation of oneself and the medical profession.
Avoiding defamatory behavior, rumors, or labeling.
Demonstrating honesty in providing information.
Acting responsibly and avoiding discriminatory attitudes.
Refraining from disparaging the competence of other professionals in medical advertisements.

Adhering to these ethical standards is essential to maintaining public trust in the medical profession. Therefore, training, evaluating, and monitoring the behavior of professionals in cyberspace are particularly important for upholding and promoting professional and ethical standards.

Keywords: Professionalism, Cyberspace, Education, Evaluation

Full-Text [PDF 352 kb] (283 Downloads)

Type of Study: Oral Presentation | Subject: Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Oral Presentation
Received: 2025/05/6 | Revised: 2026/01/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22