Doctor-Patient Relationship Changes with Technology

The easy accessibility and efficiency of technology has made the boundaries between patient and doctor a bit blurred. Many doctors think that communication should simply happen face-to-face and issues should be discussed in the office.  If email exchanges and text messaging occurs, the relationship between doctor and patient can become too personal and friendly. These impersonal exchanges can also become dangerous; some doctors state that they’ve had clients text them suicidal thoughts or email them for advice.

Social networking sites such as Facebook can also be hazardous as information about someone is displayed to “friends.”  Even if a psychiatrist does not accept a “friend request” from a patient, “nonfriends” can still seek information in other ways.  The inevitable and increasing use of technology makes the boundary between doctor and patient incredibly ambiguous. Technology is still changing and becoming more popular, and therefore can confuse both doctor and patient and put them both at risk for overstepping that line.

Boschert, Sherry. "Privacy Boundaries Fade With Social Media." Clinical Psychiatry News (2011): 45.