Rating of French maxillofacial surgeons on their Google® business account: Current status and reflections for equitable communication

Abstract

IntroductionOnline reputation is misattributed in France in academic publications. However, this phenomenon is growing. The objective of this study was to establish an inventory of the e-reputation of French maxillofacial surgeons through the opinions posted on their professional Google® account. Material and methodsA descriptive study included all the surgeons registered on the list of the French National Medical Council in “maxillofacial surgery and stomatology”. Data collection was carried out from February to April 2022. ResultsAmong the 483 surgeons included, 61.1% had received at least one opinion, the number of per surgeon was 22.2. The average was 4.3/5. Among the 4433 written comments completing the review, 85% were positive. The average response rate of surgeons was 10% and was all the more important as the rating of the opinion was lower. Stomatology (65.3%), aesthetic surgery of the face (15.1%) and orthognathic surgery (14.5%) were the most commented maxillofacial procedures. DiscussionThe online image of French maxillofacial surgeons was very positive. However, faced with a defamatory or insulting comment, the surgeon found in an unbalanced situation where he could not respond without risking betraying medical. We recall some common-sense recommendations for managing one's e-reputation and some legislative adjustments for better regulation of these platforms, also considering legal and ethical aspects.