by Nancy Meredith
In this day of ubiquitous computing, physicians are encouraged to stay informed, and to keep others informed, by turning to social media to communicate with their patients and colleagues. However, as more mesothelioma patients and their specialists rely on the internet and mobile technology, social media experts are calling on hospitals and physicians to adopt guidelines to manage the information.
Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused pulmonary cancer, are often ill-prepared to deal with the onslaught of medical appointments and treatments. Having important information easily accessible, however, can make a big difference in their ability to manage all the critical information. Patients can turn to their iPads and smartphones to access their medical records, schedule appointments with their provider, email their doctor, read up on a clinical trial or access Facebook pages of other mesothelioma patients and advocates offering support.
The Healthcare Industry Turns to Social Media
An infographic posted on the American College Of Chest Physicians website (and included below) highlights the many ways the healthcare industry uses social media, such as patient information, clinical trial recruitment, professional collaboration, wellness and marketing. It is clear that healthcare providers have embraced social media, and now, according to PowerDMS.com, a compliance software manufacturer, "clear parameters must be established, so professional and personal lines don't become blurred."
As depicted in the graphic below, 67% of physicians use social media for professional use and 80% use it for personal use. It is important that these physicians maintain a clear distinction between the two uses.
Social Media Guidelines Offered by FSMB
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) published "Model Policy Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Social Media and Social Networking in Medical Practice" this year. The document was provided in order to facilitate patient care and nonprofessional interactions, and to offer ways "that physicians can protect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients as well as maintain a standard of professionalism in all social media and social networking interactions."
The FSMB notes that while social media has enormous potential for both physicians and their patients for disseminating information and forging meaningful professional relationships, it must occur within the proper framework of professional ethics.
Some of the guidelines suggested include:
- Physicians are discouraged from interacting with current or past patients on personal social networking sites such as Facebook.
- Just as in the hospital or ambulatory setting, patient privacy and confidentiality must be protected at all times, especially on social media and social networking websites. Physicians should never mention patients' room numbers, refer to them by code names, or post their picture.
- Physicians should be aware that any information they post on a social networking site may be disseminated (whether intended or not) to a larger audience, and that what they say may be taken out of context or remain publicly available online in perpetuity. When posting content online, they should always remember that they are representing the medical community.
The primary issues regarding the use of social media among hospitals and physicians, according to PowerDMS, are that staff may inadvertently share confidential patient information and that it raises new ethical questions about patient/provider relationships. These are the primary reasons for medical facilities to establish guidelines for appropriate use of social media sites.
SocialMediaGovernance.com, a website dedicated to helping organizations get the most from their social media efforts, maintains a database of social media policies, including policies from small businesses, local governments, and hospitals.
Mesothelioma is a complex disease, but when patients can turn to technology to get the most current information anytime and anywhere the cancer may seem a little less daunting. For the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, using social media to communicate and exchange information with their physician and other medical providers can save them from having to schedule yet another face-to-face appointment.
Via: PowerDMS
