Digital communications and social media use in surgery: how to maximize communication in the digital age

Communication among patients, colleagues, and staff in healthcare has changed dramatically in the last decade. Digital technology and social media sites have allowed instantaneous access to information. The potential for information technology to improve access to healthcare, enhance the quality, an...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Karpeh Martin S., Bryczkowski Sarah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2017-07-01
Series:Innovative Surgical Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/iss-2017-0019
Description
Summary:Communication among patients, colleagues, and staff in healthcare has changed dramatically in the last decade. Digital technology and social media sites have allowed instantaneous access to information. The potential for information technology to improve access to healthcare, enhance the quality, and lower the cost is significant. Text messaging, tweeting, chatting, and blogging are rapidly replacing e-mail as the preferred means of communication in healthcare. This review will highlight how digital technology is changing the way surgeons communicate with colleagues and patients as well as provide some guidance as to how to avoid some of the pitfalls and problems that this form of communication can bring.
ISSN:2364-7485