Developing a professional guideline for the use of cyberspace by health-care professionals in Iran: a mixed methods study

Mahboobeh  Khabaz Mafinejad; Maliheh Kadivar; Fariba Asghari; Zeinab Jannat; Nastaran Hadizadeh

doi:10.18502/jmehm.v15i10.11566

Mahboobeh Khabaz Mafinejad Associate Professor, Health Professions Education Research Center, Department of Medical Education, Education Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Maliheh Kadivar Professor, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fariba Asghari Professor, Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zeinab Jannat Researcher, MSc of Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Nastaran Hadizadeh Researcher, Department of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v15i10.11566

Keywords: Medical ethics; Medical education; Health-care guideline; Professionalism; Cyberethics.

Abstract

The present study aimed to compile and develop a professional guideline for health-care providers in Iran regarding cyberspace usage. This was a mixed-methods study, conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the principles of ethics in cyberspace were collected through a review of the literature and available documents, and were then subjected to content analysis. In the second phase, the views of experts on medical ethics, virtual education, information technology and medical education, as well as clinical sciences experts and representatives of medical students and graduates were evaluated using the focus group method. In the third phase, the draft was evaluated by various stakeholders. Finally, after receiving the comments, the necessary modifications were applied to the guideline.

The professional guideline for the use of cyberspace by health-care professionals comprised 30 codes in 5 domains, including the general regulations domain, care and treatment, research, education, and personal development.

This guideline presents the various ways professionalism can be maintained in cyberspace interactions. Adherence to the principles of professionalism in cyberspace is required to protect and preserve the public trust in health-care professionals.