We all know that patients have been combing the net for health information for years. But what about doctors? Should they be using the web and new social networking tools to be more in touch with their patients? One doctor explores this in a NY Times piece, Medicine in the Age of Twitter.
Social media platforms can turn 10- or 20-minute doctor’s visits into an ongoing dialogue, where sources of information and, potentially, support are continually available to the patient and the doctor. “Platforms like Twitter can be powerful if doctors are a lot more active in disseminating their expertise,” Dr. Khozin said. “Patients are being bombarded with information online, but I don’t think all that information necessarily empowers them. You also need expertise.”
I just got back from a visit to the ENT and I barely got 140 characters in person. Just a prescription (which I am 90% sure is unrelated to my symptoms) and a cloud of dust. I think more contact between doctors and patients sounds like a great idea. My gut tells me that the doctors who would participate are probably giving you those several extra minutes of conversation you want at the office as well. I don’t see twitter as a way to change your doc’s personality.
Not a bad way to vent though…
