Comments on: Are Doctors Liable for Comments on Physician Social Networks?

By: Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA

Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:57:06 +0000

The problem in this conversation is that a patient, regardless of how clearly the physician explains the circumstances under which advice or an observation is offered, will receive that information as the “gospel truth” and will act accordingly.

As more and more platforms emerge through which to (a) connect with others and (b) espouse/expound/proclaim thoughts and perceptions, the perils of being misunderstood are compounded exponentially.

This excellent article serves to highlight those perils and raise a cautionary flag to those whose opinions are listened to and valued.

I certainly will add emphasis to this area in my “Health Communication Management” graduate course at Regis College!

By: Cherei

Cherei — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:59:51 +0000

Sadly.. all one has to do.. is look at the Forbes 400 list.. and see the lawyers who are there.. and the doctors who are NOT.. to answer this question.

In a perfect world.. lawyers wouldn’t exist. Doctors would be protected from those who think every mistake.. is done on purpose. Doctors are humans.. I sometimes wonder if lawyers are human.

By: Cherei

Cherei — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:59:27 +0000

Sadly.. all one has to do.. is look at the Forbes 400 list.. and see the lawyers who are there.. and the doctors who are NOT.. to answer this question.

In a perfect world.. lawyers wouldn’t exist. Doctors would be protected from those who think every mistake.. is done on purpose. Doctors are humans.. I sometimes wonder if lawyers are though.

By: DrV

DrV — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:48:53 +0000

Thanks. We have to keep in mind that PHI has to be considered even in physician-only discussion. And dialog is still very useful even when privacy guidelines are enforced.

By: drmattmurray

drmattmurray — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:37:57 +0000

This is an excellent topic with some twists to consider. For example, our credentials are at risk from a water cooler discussion if we indiscriminately reveal so much patient info that patient privacy is breached, especially to unintended ears we did not know were pasted to the wall nearby. Similarly, even on a physician-only social network where participants are properly verified as licensed physicians, it seems prudent to limit PHI to the miminum necessary …which becomes more difficult the more unusual the case. Also, it’s written words vs. the “hearsay” accusations from pasted ears.

By: DrV

DrV — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:23:57 +0000

Well said, Mike. And simply put.

By: Mike Cadogan

Mike Cadogan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:42:49 +0000

If you are an idiot offline…chances are you will still be an idiot online