Social Networking (Fall 2009)

There have been some interesting proposals on how social networking possibilities can effect how we do our jobs and interact with colleagues and patients.

Are expectations different from different population groups? Are the work ethics issues? Are there liability issues?

Using the guidelines as indicated by the Fall 2009 Informatics course use this site to explore an opportunity to experience this social network medium, blogging...
Lagu, T., Kaufman, E. J., Asch, D. A., & Armstrong, K. 2008). Content of weblogs written by health professionals. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 23, 1642-1646. doi:10.1007/s11606-008-0726-6
Link for UT Arlington

As blogs and other social networking utilities become more available and ubiquitous the line between what the writer feels and what should be, indeed, posted to the world becomes more and more blurred. Where confidentiality is important and necessary this blurring should be guarded against. Lagu, Kaufman, Ash, & Armstrong (2008) found that of the 271 medical blogs evaluated in over 50% the author could be identified, in nearly 50% specific patients were discussed and many of the patients could be individually identified. When professional people are revealing their private experiences as healthcare provided to complete strangers via the Web, these professionals really have to be aware of the larger context of their postings.

HH