Comments on: Facebook Clinic

By: Mel

Mel — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:55:15 +0000

As a person who works in a pediatric clinic, I enjoy getting to know the patients that visit our office. I feel that the parents like knowing who they are engaging in conversation with. Don't get me wrong, I love my computer and text messaging. I just feel that healthcare is something that needs the one on one attention and not the patient vs whomever is on the other end of the computer.

By: Kay

Kay — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:56:26 +0000

Interesting. I searched facebook looking for people I know, and found one of my docs. I didn't friend her, though, because I thought it might be an invasion of her privacy. I can't imagine asking her for medical advice on line

By: Dr. Keely Kolmes

Dr. Keely Kolmes — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:20:13 +0000

DrV, I think it's great that you have a clear policy. I think a lot of clinicians are getting in over their heads by not thinking through their policies until they are confronted with challenging situations as they dive into social networking. I'm working on trainings for mental health professionals who are trying to manage the clinical/ethical issues related to technology and mental health. Keep up the good work!

By: DrV

DrV — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:57:49 +0000

Thanks Keely. I do want to make it very clear that while I may write about this issue of a patient asking to friend me on FB I don't encourage it or condone it. As the post says, I'm very clear about my engagement online. I do think that challenges like this will continue to increase. As a general policy, I do not friend parents on FB unless I share an outside relationship of some sort. I do invite families to read and comment on 33 Charts or follow me on Twitter. Patient care issues are off limits

By: Dr. Keely Kolmes

Dr. Keely Kolmes — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:32:25 +0000

The other thing that seems problematic about this interaction is that Facebook communications are not confidential. Particularly if you are practicing under HIPPA there is no way any Facebook interaction can be considered secure.

By: rdjfraser

rdjfraser — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:29:41 +0000

It is becoming something that is closer and closer to the surface. Patients are going to start demanding more connectivity with healthcare providers, but how do we want to provide it to make sure that we can provide proper information and care.