Table 1 Average questions scoring, answers range from 1 = completely disagree to 5 = completely agree

1

It is ethically acceptable for a physician to communicate with a patient through social media as part of his/her care for patients and the patient healthcare process.^a

2

It is ethically acceptable for a physician to communicate (e.g. share personal messages) with a patient through personal social media account for easier social interaction.^a

3

Social media have the potential to improve communication between a physician and a patient.^a

4

Communication with a patient through social media can be achieved without compromising physician-patient confidentiality.^a

5

It is ethically acceptable for a physician to visit patient social media profile.^a

6

It is possible that your potential employer will not hire you or invite you for an interview due to information about you found online.

7

There is a possibility that your online behaviour might have an impact on perception of others in your profession.

8

People can make wrong assumptions about you based solely on the content of your post.

9

You may lose a position you already hold (as an employee or student) due to information about you found online.

10

Sharing privileged patient information on social media without their consent is deemed to be inadmissible.

11

Healthcare professionals should be banned from using social networking software due to too much of a risk.^a

12

Healthcare professionals should be restricted from using social networking software due to too much of a risk.^a

13

I should be able to do whatever I want online.^a

14

The School has no right to interfere in my online activities.^a

15

I believe that my online activities do not affect me as a professional.^a

16

I strongly agree with expectations for professional behaviour and make a conscious effort to comply with them in every aspect of my life.^a

17

I know well what constitutes professional behaviour and what is expected of me as a current/future professional.^a

18

High-level professional behaviour should also be expected of students from the very beginning of their studies.^a

19

Guiding patients to online information is a new responsibility of physicians in the digital age.^a

20

As a medicine / dental medicine graduate, it is my obligation to keep abreast with the current trends in the use of social media.^a

21

One of the responsibilities of a teacher is to counsel students on the appropriate use of social media.^a

22

Professionals cannot actually fully relax.^a

23

Social media have removed protection of professionals against the public.^a

24

It is not always possible to maintain professionalism in online activities.^a