Abstract
IntroductionThe use of search engines and online social media (OSM) websites by healthcare providers is increasing and may even be used to search for patient information. This raises several ethical issues. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of OSM and web-searching for patient information and to explore attitudes towards the ethical appropriateness of these practices by physicians and trainees in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe conducted an online survey study of Canadian emergency physicians and trainees listed under then Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) and senior medical students at the University of Toronto.ResultsWe received 530 responses (response rate 49.1%): 34.9% medical students, 15.5% residents, 49.6% staff physicians. Most had an active Facebook account (74%). Sixty-four participants (13.5%) had used Google to research a patient and 10 (2.1%) had searched for patients on Facebook. There were no differences in these results based on level of training, and 25% of physicians considered using Facebook to learn about a patient “very unethical.” The most frequent ethical concerns were with violation of patient confidentiality, dignity, and consent. The practice was usually not disclosed to patients (14%), but often disclosed to senior colleagues (83%).ConclusionThis is the first study examining the prevalence of and attitudes towards online searching for obtaining patient information in the ED. This practice occurs among staff physicians and trainees despite ethical concerns. Future work should explore the utility and desirability of searching for patient information online.
Highlights
The use of search engines and online social media (OSM) websites by healthcare providers is increasing and may even be used to search for patient information
The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of OSM and web-searching for patient information and to explore attitudes towards the ethical appropriateness of these practices by physicians and trainees in the emergency department (ED)
There were no differences in these results based on level of training, and 25% of physicians considered using Facebook to learn about a patient “very unethical.”
Summary
The use of search engines and online social media (OSM) websites by healthcare providers is increasing and may even be used to search for patient information. In the emergency department (ED), key past medical history and demographic information can be missing, in new, unidentified or non-communicative patients. This may contribute to diagnostic uncertainty, treatment errors and delays in disposition, and may increase the likelihood of adverse events. Recent major popular media outlets highlight the importance of balancing the need for urgent information (that could be obtained via OSM or search engines) versus the need to maintain patient privacy and public trust.[4,5] the volume of personal information accessible
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
