Dear Friends: a bit of another housekeeping reminder, as this topic continues to be a major concern. Social media offers wonderful and innovative ways for our staff to interact with patients and non-patients alike, and for us to offer positive contributions to the broader community. However, the tenets of professionalism and patient-physician relationship must govern our interactions at all times. In accordance with the strict policies of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, Federation of State Medical Boards, and Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), the CEC staff is bound to maintain a respectful and safe environment for patients. This includes, but is not in the least limited to, discussing specific treatment or other personal details with potential, new or existing patients on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Similarly, preservation of professional boundaries is absolutely critical to the integrity of an appropriate patient-physician relationship. The online setting is an important tool in facilitating health discussions in the modern age, but it must be used and limited/restricted appropriately, particularly regarding the following factors: intended purpose of exchange and content of conversation; inappropriate expectations regarding response time; maintaining confidentiality; and above all else – adhering to ethical and legal requirements. It is entirely appropriate to post general questions on our wall here, for example. It is also fine to engage in general discussion with any staffer in a group setting where you may both be members. On the other hand, it is not appropriate whatsoever to post personal details about yourself or another individual on any staffers personal wall, in groups, on pages, etc. and/or tag a CEC staff member for specific information. Doing so creates blurred professional and personal boundaries, violates privacy, and lessens the quality of our interaction with you. You can help us to protect your privacy, maintain appropriate and professional ethical boundaries with our surgeons and staff, and safeguard our digital encounters by avoiding use of ‘tagging’ staff in posts, seeking specific advice or treatment information about your case via groups or ‘inbox’ - or personal walls - instead of calling our office, and by following proper channels and protocols in seeking new or ongoing care with us. We use social media as a tool to augment in-person care - not as a replacement. While we recognize that patients and non-patients alike desire ease of communication with our staff, as professionals, we must be cognizant of not trading communication quantity for quality. Please help us to help you by using your best judgment regarding personal communications between you and our staff and surgeons online at all times. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and appreciate our position on this matter.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:20:11 +0000
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