Online Ethics in Medical Activities

Abstract

Netiquette refers to the generally accepted rules of behavior for using the Internet. By following netiquette guidelines, users help to make the Internet a civil place to communicate and share ideas. Netiquette rules apply chiefly to electronic mail, mailing lists and Usenet newsgroups, however, there are also netiquette guidelines for using telnet and FTP. In addition to netiquette, many organizations have their own "Acceptable Use Policies" (AUPs) - a set of rules specifically for an organization's network. Giving and receiving of advice online can be fraught with risks both for patient and doctor; so, all confidential medical information must be protected from misuse. E-mail may offer several advantages over existing communications channels between doctors and their patients but like any communication medium, e-mail can be misused.