Guidelines on Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

Purpose

This document outlines the guidelines necessary to ensure students in the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) comply with established expectations for the responsible, ethical, and safe use of electronic communication and personal mobile devices by health professional students during academic and clinical activities. It ensures that the use of technology supports learning and patient care while protecting privacy and confidentiality. 

Guiding Principles

Students must comply with: 

• Professional Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice (students are expected to refer to and know their profession specific regulations and legislation)  
• Health Information Protection Act (HIPA) 
• School of Rehabilitation Science Professional Behaviours and Expectations 
• USask Academic Integrity and Student Misconduct Regulations 
• Clinical site policies on electronic communication and device use 

Student Responsibilities:

1. Electronic Communication 

• Use only approved platforms as per academic or clinical site policy. 

• Comply with consent, documentation, privacy, and confidentiality requirements. 

• Do not share confidential patient information through unsecured channels. 

• Do not use personal or university email/messaging apps for clinical communication. 

2. Mobile Devices 

• Follow academic or clinical site policies regarding mobile device use. 

• Use only devices issued by the clinical site for patient care activities. 

• Do not record, photograph, or share patient information without written consent. 

• Do not use personal devices for clinical documentation or communication. 

3. Accountability 

• Misuse of devices or platforms may result in academic or clinical consequences, and potentially legal action under federal and provincial laws. 

4. Professional Conduct Online 

• Maintain professional demeanor and etiquette in all online interactions. 

• Do not post content that reflects poorly on you or your profession. 

• Never criticize patients, colleagues, instructors, or facilities online. 

• Understand that online content can be permanent and traceable. 

• Set privacy settings to the highest level and monitor personal information. 

• Adhere to all professional boundaries’ guidelines and standards relevant to your profession 

• Do not portray yourself as representing the SRS or USask on personal sites. 

5. Use of Portable Electronic Devices 

• Follow workplace and department policies on device use. 

• Devices may interfere with medical equipment; only use in permitted locations. 

• Devices pose infection risks; clean and disinfect regularly and only use in permitted locations. 

• Do not use devices for personal matters during academic or clinical hours; limit use to breaks in permitted areas. 

• Do not store patient information or photos on personal devices. 

• Academic recordings (lectures, labs) require instructor permission. 

Disciplinary Action:

Violations of this policy may result in: 

• Academic or clinical consequences under USask misconduct regulations. 

• Disciplinary action by the School of Rehabilitation Science. 

• Legal action under applicable laws. 

• Breaches of confidentiality may result in sanctions from health authorities.