The big news last week was Open Notes - the trial underway at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital where patients have unbridled access to their electronic records. After a summary of the project was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine the story made headlines. The news: While patients have always had the right to their own records, Open Notes improves ... Continue Reading about Will Open Notes Revolutionize Patient Care?
Is There a Social Health Bubble?
I regularly talk to my patients/parents about social health. What parents do, what they think and how they socially experience their child’s problems has become an interest of mine. I can hear it now: “Of course patients won’t discuss their social health activities with you, you’re a doctor.” Perhaps, but I don’t think so. Actually, I’ve had some very interesting ... Continue Reading about Is There a Social Health Bubble?
Connecting with Patients – Not a New Concept
This weekend I visited a small town in west Texas to address a local medical society on the emerging role of social media in health care. My presentation involves social media and the evolving relationship that patients share with doctors. I discuss challenges and opportunities – especially as it relates to transparency, personal boundaries, and even the ethical ... Continue Reading about Connecting with Patients – Not a New Concept
Should You Give Your Doctor a Gift?
I used to get lots of gifts from patients during the holidays. 'Give your doctor a gift', the patients would say. Not so much anymore. I’m more patient-centered than ever. And the older I get the more relaxed I get with my patients. I’d like to think that I’m more likeable. But still fewer gifts than ten or fifteen years ago. So what gives? Times have changed. ... Continue Reading about Should You Give Your Doctor a Gift?
The 2000 Word Patient Email
We assume that technology will improve communication between doctors and patients. But not always. Look at the 2,000 word email. While it isn’t yet the standard means of communication in our clinic (it will be soon) we occasionally take email from patients. My experience has been that they’re sometimes long and unfocused with tangential information irrelevant to the ... Continue Reading about The 2000 Word Patient Email
Your Personal Health Footprint
Recently I suggested that the public disclosure of your detailed personal health information may not be smart. Jen McCabe was dubious and alleged a Fear Factor approach. You might check out both posts. The perspectives are interesting and raise the question of just how open we should be. In her Posterous comments Jen cites some great examples of how the social web ... Continue Reading about Your Personal Health Footprint