Comments on: Guest Article: A Tech-savvy Physician's View of Patient Social Networks

By: Ann Poorboy

Ann Poorboy — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:08:43 +0000

Another thing to consider when discussing these sites with patients, is that for many of them, only the refractory patients stay on while those who regain their QOL move on to other things. This often gives a negative or pessimistic view and not a balanced one.

Great post – thanks.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:40:50 +0000

Other sites like local doctor search engine and doctor reviews sites like MyDocHub.com are making strides in Health 2.o

By: Martin Sabel (Mr. Eldercare)

Martin Sabel (Mr. Eldercare) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:27:35 +0000

I echo the appreciation, Dr. Bhan. Health 2.0 networks enable medical consumers to become better informed faster. The sheer power of information flow between consumers will impact both doctor-patient relations and the way physicians run their practice. The democratization of medical and health information should mean better care in the long run. As you point out their are dangers in patients attempting to treat. Doctors can and should take a leading role in helping their patients identify trustworthy health social networks. Great post. Thanks.

By: Greg Matthews

Greg Matthews — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Thanks so much for the great post! I’ve been watching the development of these sites with great interest. As the son of a physician and the employee of a health plan, I guess I’m a little conflicted about these sites . . . but I agree with you that the best outcome is for doctors to engage with the sites and get comfortable with them, and make sure their patients understand when they should consult a physician about something they’ve read.

By: Lauren Burns

Lauren Burns — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:44:46 +0000

Great post! As more and more people are joining social networks, this is something more to consider. Another important feature of online healthcare information is how a patient and provider can interact virtually. Web-based patient portals are a great way for patients to message their providers that are on an EHR.