Knowledge based upon fact is king and the sharing of some healthcare information through social media connections may help avoid medical misdeeds, errors and bad outcomes.
The successful healing of disorders and diseases requires a knowledgeable and trustworthy partnership between patient and caregiver. Although, the physician code of conduct calls for the use of treatments for the benefit of the ill (in accordance with ability and judgement) and keeping them from harm and injustice (Hippocrates), significant straying from these time-honored ideals occurs because of a focus on money-making.
The caring and sharing of healthcare information and personal experiences through social media may not only empower the uninformed but also curb unnecessary evaluations and, unneeded treatments. Properly used, these care and share connections may also help restore physician credibility as well as combat the declining trust in our costly, bloated and wasteful healthcare system.
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Bert Vorstman MD, MS, FAAP, FRACS, FACS
www.urologyweb.com