Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill., studied the ethical implications of social media used in healthcare.
AMA Journal of Ethics published the article. The researchers examined five cases studies, covering areas like posting work-related photos on Facebook, tweeting personal opinions and Googling patients.
Here are five highlights:
1. Kayhan Parsi, JD, PhD, and Nanette Elster, JD, of Loyola's Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics, led the research.
2. Since privacy is a crucial component of the patient experience, social media use presents various ethical issues about "professional and personal boundaries, and the integrity, accountability and trustworthiness of healthcare professionals."
3. The study found several ethical issues, like whether it's appropriate for a physician to friend a patient on Facebook or connect on LinkedIn.
4. The researchers pointed out the potential good of social media in healthcare as well, as patients can develop more personal, interactive relationships with their providers. Also, social media can foster better communication between patients and providers.
5. The article offers suggestions to leverage social media in positive ways, resulting in good outcomes.
