Social media for physicians: Strong medicine or snake oil?
How can I minimize my legal risk when interacting online?
It has been suggested that a legally sound approach in response to requests for online medical advice would be to send a standard response form that:
• informs the inquirer that the health-care provider does not answer online questions;
• supplies offline contact information so that an appointment can be made, if desired; and
• identifies a source for emergency services if the inquirer cannot wait for an appointment.
In circumstances where a patient–physician relationship already exists, informed consent should be obtained, which should include a careful explanation regarding the risks of online communication, expected response times, and the handling of emergencies, then documented in the patient’s chart (PT. 2014 Jul;39[7]:491,520).
In Summary
Social media, much like any area of medicine one is interested in, can be daunting and exciting but fraught with potential difficulties. I liken its adoption in our daily practice to any other decision or interest, including being in a private or academic setting, adopting procedural medicine or sticking to diagnostic consultations, or participating in research. In the end, it’s an individual expression of our desire to practice medicine. However, verifying information already existing online about us is of paramount importance. If I don’t tell my story, someone else will, and they may not be as truthful.
Dr. Bencheqroun is Assistant Professor, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Pulmonary/Critical Care Faculty Program Coordinator & Research Mentor - Internal Medicine Residency Program Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs CA; and Immediate Past Chair of the CHEST Council of Networks.
