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Be Aware of the Dangers of Blogging and Social Networking 

The risk of violating patient confidentiality and privacy is increasing as more and more physicians sign on to social networking sites and media-sharing sites for video, photo, and audio files, as well as Web logs (or “blogs”). One source notes that the number of health care blogs has risen to over 120,000. 

Tips to reduce risk: 
Because social networking sites are not HIPAA-compliant secure networks, do not disclose any patient information online. Approach every online case discussion cautiously—even if it is a physician-to-physician site. Change the information about the patient to avoid possible identification. 

Do not use social networking sites for physician-patient communication. They are too informal and lack an atmosphere of professionalism. 

Avoid making negative or unprofessional comments, and never use profanity. 

Internet Review Sites 
Patients also use blogs. Some sites provide consumers with a forum for rating physicians on a variety of experience points. An unhappy patient can publish negative comments about a physician. Many physicians want to know how to avoid or respond to these negative comments. 

Tips to reduce risk: 
Provide a forum for your patients to voice complaints face to face. 

Utilize a patient satisfaction survey, and analyze the findings to enhance and improve patient relationships. 

Monitor Internet sites that your patients may be using to post comments. 

Contact Internet sites to find out about the process for challenging negative comments. 

For more information on this subject, read our article “The Internet: Friend or Foe to Physicians,” or contact the Department of Patient Safety at (800) 421-2368, extension 1243.

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