Social media, by definition, is a very public arena that involves large networks of people who are connected in various ways. For this reason, it may not seem like social media could be a viable way for doctors and patients to communicate and strengthen their relationship. After all, the doctor-patient relationship is and should be based on confidentiality and privacy. However, it is becoming increasingly more common for doctors to make themselves available on social media platforms so that they can share information with their patients and the community. From sharing links about new medical research to giving treatment tips on a Twitter feed, there are a variety of ways that healthcare professionals can use social media to improve communication with their patients and provide them with information and resources they need to make educated decisions about their health.

Bridging the Communication Gap

One of the primary reasons that doctors and patients often fail to communicate is a lack of understanding. Patients may feel intimated by doctors because they do not have the same level of medical experience and expertise. If patients have questions, they may not feel comfortable asking them or they may feel hesitant about a treatment being prescribed but not confident enough to voice their concerns. While doctors are specialists in their fields, patients should always remember that they are in charge of their own bodies and only they can consent to or refuse treatment. An important way that patients can empower themselves to have an honest dialogue with their doctors is by educating themselves about their particular health condition and the treatments that are available to them. Similarly, doctors should make an effort to explain information in terms the patient will understand.

This is where social media may come in as a building block for better communication. Doctors can use online forums, message boards, and other social media outlets to convey information in an approachable, understandable way. Patients can then peruse the information from the comfort of their own homes, not the rushed, stressful environment of a doctor’s office. Patients can also use social media platforms to ask doctors questions, interact with other patients, and share information regarding treatment resources that they have found.

How Doctors and Patients Can Use Facebook

If doctors choose to use Facebook to better communicate with patients, there should be a definitive boundary between how they use this social media platform professionally and how they use it personally. It may not be a good idea to become “friends” with patients through a personal Facebook page, but creating an authorized medical page where patients can follow their doctor is a better way to keep the relationship professional. The page needs to be HIPPA compliant and any information on the page should never in any way compromise the privacy of any patient. Naming patients, referring to specific cases, and sharing patient photos are a few examples of conduct that would not be acceptable on a doctor’s professional Facebook page. Using the page as a means of pooling information and resources for patients should be the primary concern, whereas interactions with individual patients regarding diagnoses and treatments should likely take place on the phone, via email, or in the office.

Knowing the Risks

There are obvious risks that come with doctors and patients using social media to develop a stronger relationship and improve communication skills. It is important that both parties understand these risks and acknowledge that using the Internet to communicate presents the potential for breaches in privacy and professionalism. If patients are concerned with the idea of “friending” their doctors or “following” them on social media sites, they should have a conversation with the healthcare professional to find out if there are any anonymous or less public ways in which they can communicate with their doctors. Many hospitals and clinics are now offering secure, online patient portals where patients access a variety of resources online.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to doctor/patient relations.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to doctor/patient relations. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to doctor/patient relations.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: doctor/patient relations