Doctors make virtual house calls via social media

Social media is now playing a more important role in the medical world, as some doctors use the Internet to make house calls —at least virtually.

 

In the United States, Texas-based obstretrician Jeff Livingston connects with his patients "anytime, anywhere" through sites like Facebook, CBS-DFW News reported.

 

“If we want to make a connection, we need to talk to them in the way that they want to talk to us,” he said.

 

When not delivering babies or meeting patients face to face, Livingston spends time logging on to the MacArthur OBGYN Facebook and Twitter pages to answer questions from patients.

 

Some questions include how soon one can find out a baby’s gender, and if one can eat fish while pregnant.

 

“In one post on Facebook, I was able to reach 2,000 people and people got the health information they needed,” Livingston said.

 

Secure connection

 

But he remains adamant that no patient information is ever discussed openly on social media.

 

His practice uses a secure e-mail program which patients can use to ask more personalized questions.

 

A two-way street

 

But Livingston also found he could benefit from the two-way nature of social networking.

 

Last March, after treating several women for miscarriages, he posted a question himself asking his patients how they coped with their loss, and what they want to hear from their doctor.

 

”You can see where the patients are learning from each other, but as a doctor, I got better,” he said.

 

He added social media can help bridge the gap between doctors and patients and make everyone more comfortable talking about health-related issues.

 

“The more our patients understand that we’re human, that we’re people I think the easier it is for us to connect in the office,” he said.

 

On the other hand, the report cited expectant mother Kristi Francisco who could use Facebook to ask her doctor questions as she nears her due date.

 

“If my grocery store and my favorite restaurant is on Facebook, then my doctor should be as well,” Francisco said. — TJD, GMA News