Blogging for the Greater Good

This week’s discussion involves a social media tool most of us are quite familiar with, a blog. Thousands of physicians have both personal and professional blogs. In the article, Doctor Blogs Raise Concerns about Patient Privacy, author Deirdre Kennedy discusses the fine line physicians walk when blogging.

There seems to be recurring theme among all of my posts, patient privacy. Patient privacy in the online world seems to be the number one issue. Blogs should be handled with the same guidelines I have previously suggested in order for physicians to protect themselves from legal consequences. Never mention a patient’s name, and always make sure to alter facts substantially enough to where patients are unable to identify themselves among the blog content. Legal ramifications can occur if doctors post too much information concerning a case or patient.

Blogs have numerous benefits that include free marketing promotion, recruiting aspects, information sharing, and two-way conversations. Kennedy states"Online readers can learn about the latest medical gadets, read physicians' views on health care issue,s even get a peek at the inner thoughts of surgeons." Through a blog, medical professsionals are able to share their experiences and knowledge with patients and others employed in the health care industry. It can be used to educate and inform medical students or young adults interested in the medical profession. Patients are constantly seeking out health information. What better place to educate them then a blog? A majority of patients perform an online search for physicians before scheduling an appointment. A blog is an effective way for them to learn about the physician’s views, practice and experience. Trust, authority, and influence can all be gained from a blog.

Times have changed, especially with the format in which conversations are held. What was once face-to-face- discussions is now online conversations. No longer are medical cases and experiences being discussed in private with one or two other individuals. Instead, conversations are being held publically online between numerous people. Treat a blog in the same overall manner that you would treat a patient, with respect and professionalism. Blogs are a social media tool with numerous benefits, so get out there and join the conversation!