Module 5

-Why would a patient want to create a blog? What might they gain from this?

I can see how developing a blog might help patients with chronic disease or illness, or those who are dealing with a new diagnosis or treatment. A blog would allow a patient to communicate their experience with other patients or their healthcare providers in an intimate and detailed way. Much like the cathartic experience of a journal, the blog could serve as an outlet for patients who are going through difficult situations. On a lighter note, a blog could be utilized by patients who are tracking their progress through a life changing treatment or practice, weight loss programs, or procedures. The benefit of a blog is that others can read and comment on the content at any time during the day. If a patient with cancer was to blog about their experience, other cancer patients could read, and comment or give advice/support whenever the have the opportunity. Providers visiting a patient’s blog site could also see who patients are coping with their disease or condition, and make comments of support or advice for the patient to read at a later time.

-Why would a health care provider create a blog?

A provider blog would allow a provider to provide information about his or her practice, treatment methods, and personality to a large community of prospective and current patients. It might also be a good way to keep patients in their care informed about new and upcoming local events, practices, or treatments. Additionally, a provider blog could connect other provider in specialty areas. I actually think that it would be a good idea to have a blog following my time at the University of Utah in order to continue to stay in touch with my fellow students. The advent of the internet has provided people a way to communicate and stay in touch in a way that was previously not possible. Connecting with others on the internet would be a great resource for networking as a new provider.

-What are ethical considerations when blogging on a public website, such as we've used for this class?

Of course there are a number of problems surrounding patient centered blogs and HIPPA. It would not be possible for a provider to diagnose or treat patients from the blog and could lead to a number of confidentiality issues. I feel that the main purpose of the patient and provider blog would be to establish a sense of connection. Providers who start to blog need to be conscious about what they post. Providers who do not want to disclose information about their family, or personal life should avoid just that. Also, medical advice or suggestions should not be taken from blogs without the completion of a detailed patient exam and consultation. I can see how posting information on a blog might lead patients to think that they did not need to see a physician and lead to potentially life threatening conditions.