Objective: This study aimed to assess Saudi plastic surgeons’ awareness of strict regulations concerning patients’ photographs and explore their views on sharing patients’ photographs within the confinement of a conservative culture.
Methods: A national, cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted using a literature survey. The survey consisted of 17 items that assessed plastic surgeons’ perceptions of taking, storing, and sharing photographs on social media platforms. The survey was reviewed by three field experts, and a pilot study was conducted to ensure content and face validity. Data were collected between February 13 and March 10, 2023. Convenience sampling was used in this study.
Results: A total of 76 plastic surgeons participated in the study. Only 38.2% of surgeons used social media for professional advancement. Most were aware of the policies for taking photographs of patients (88.2%). Only a small number (11.8%) shared patient photographs on social media, predominantly Instagram (100%) and Snapchat (88.9%). The most common body part that the surgeons deemed acceptable for posting on social media was the part of the face concerned with the intervention (69.6%).
Conclusion: Plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia who use social media face additional challenges owing to cultural and regulatory restrictions on patients’ photograph sharing. Their knowledge and compliance with taking and sharing photographs were relatively high.
Key words: Plastic surgery, social media, perception, regulations, photographs
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