Physicians and other health care providers increasingly are turning to Web-based communication tools such as videoconferencing applications, e-mail and instant messages to develop closer relationships with patients and provide them with more comprehensive treatment information, ComputerWorld reports.
Some physicians also are looking to connect with patients through social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Health care providers use the online portals to disseminate health information and establish online communities that provide patients with a platform to share their experiences.
Concerns Over Privacy, Security
Neal Neuberger, executive director of the Institute for e-Health Policy, said doctors who use social networking websites should be aware of potential liability issues that could arise over the privacy and security of patient medical data.
Some experts recommend that physicians who use Web 2.0 tools should focus their online discussions on broad health topics rather than patient-specific medical information