Table 2.

Best practices for the conduct of PFDD-related SML studies by pharmaceutical companies.

Follow the principle of “most restrictive rule” among all applicable legal frameworks. Prioritize user anonymity and minimize any potential negative effect on users. Consider the possibility of creating synthetic data that reflects the characteristics of the original data but maintains anonymity. If possible, do not integrate patient data across social media sites. If possible, do not infer patient data, only use data openly stated. Disregard sites which require login and password. Regularly review and adhere to sites’ terms and conditions. Systematically record and archive the terms and conditions of each site for every SML activity. Evaluate the ethical and legal behavior of sites towards their users. Ensure secure data storage practices to safeguard collected information. Control access to stored social media data, limiting it to authorized personnel with a legitimate need for analysis. Regularly audit and assess data storage and access protocols to maintain compliance with evolving security and legal standards.