Module 5

Why would a patient want to create a blog?
A patient could create a blog for many reasons. The blog could be used as a way for the family to connect with his/her family members about how the patient is doing. A blog can also be created to criticize or praise the hospital and staff that are caring for the patient. “You can find out more with less effort, and spread it farther and faster than anyone ever dreamed was possible” (Curtin, 2005).
What might they gain from this?
Creating a blog might be the patient’s way of expression. The patient might not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with the staff at the hospital. The patient might have had a bad experience at the hospital and wanted to warn others to be aware of it. In the end the patient might even gain popularity from their blog.
Why would a healthcare provider create a blog?
They would want customers to see their human sides and that their business is in the 21st century. They might post answers to commonly asked questions. They could possibly post a list of when immunizations are due, etc.
They could also do a weekly/monthly in-service through their blog about specific diseases that are affecting their population.
A blog is a good way for a provider to reach all patients at anytime.
Ethical considerations?
You must remember that this is a public site and you must post with in the boundaries of ethics. You should never post anything that everyone could not read. When you post, post as if you were talking to a group of patients, that way you will not run into ethical problems.
Also never be definitive with your answers or statements in the blog. Always state that if patients are worried or have additional questions they should come into the office.