The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure has adopted the Model Policy. This policy provides guidance on the value of social media in medicine. Specifically, it highlights the potential value to both patients and doctors. Clearly, medicine has moved slowly compared to technology. Over the past ten years, we have seen technology integrate itself into our lives. In medicine, it has been slow. Very very slow. It is still not uncommon to see practices where older doctors make the younger ones take care of their EMR. Many, if not all younger physician carry smartphones but don't leverage the internet with their patients.
Social media and the internet can allow physicians to increase their ability to communicate with other physicians and discuss topics across the country without the need to attend a conference. Additionally, they can use social media to educate patients to improve patient care.
Young physicians are connecting with their friends through Facebook and maybe Twitter. They know social media. They just don't know that social media can be used effectively to connect to their patients. Older Physicians have heard horror tales of social media and HIPPA compliance issues and don't want to learn how social media can improve their practice.
It's a great first step for the Kentucky Board of Medicine Licensure to have adopted the Model Policy. It provides physicians guidance and a point of reference to move forward with social media within their own practices. It is important to note, however, that each practice should implement their own social media guidelines.
In a previous post, I have outlined a set of Social Media Guidelines that we have developed that align with guidance from the AMA, CDC, and other medical organizations. Having the guidelines isn't enough. Each practice needs to proactively engage their patients and communities.
HCP Buzz is a social media marketing and reputation management company for doctors and other health care professionals including dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists.
www.hcpbuzz.com
Social media and the internet can allow physicians to increase their ability to communicate with other physicians and discuss topics across the country without the need to attend a conference. Additionally, they can use social media to educate patients to improve patient care.
Young physicians are connecting with their friends through Facebook and maybe Twitter. They know social media. They just don't know that social media can be used effectively to connect to their patients. Older Physicians have heard horror tales of social media and HIPPA compliance issues and don't want to learn how social media can improve their practice.
It's a great first step for the Kentucky Board of Medicine Licensure to have adopted the Model Policy. It provides physicians guidance and a point of reference to move forward with social media within their own practices. It is important to note, however, that each practice should implement their own social media guidelines.
In a previous post, I have outlined a set of Social Media Guidelines that we have developed that align with guidance from the AMA, CDC, and other medical organizations. Having the guidelines isn't enough. Each practice needs to proactively engage their patients and communities.
HCP Buzz is a social media marketing and reputation management company for doctors and other health care professionals including dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists.
www.hcpbuzz.com
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