Facebook Pixel

Will Google Change the Relationship Between Doctors and Patients?

By HERWriter
 
Rate This

Now here is an intriguing question. Should doctors google their patients, or potential patients? In a world where it seems that anything can be found on Google, are there times when that just isn't ethical?

It can be argued that for a doctor to google his patients is not a breach of privacy, since the information is in the public domain. On the other hand, should the information that might be found about a patient influence the doctor?

The question does not suggest an easy answer. But the writer on kevinmd.com states his own carefully thought-out opinion. "There are few ethical guidelines on this, with opinions on both ends of the spectrum ... The overriding question should be, 'Will researching my patient online improve their care?' If the answer is 'yes', only then, perhaps, will there be a legitimate reason to do so."

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Feel free to join the conversation and post a comment of your own.

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2010/04/doctors-google-patients.html

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Jody Smith
Champion
HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Tags: