Social Media: What Consumers Need to Know About Online Health Information

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA It’s an exciting time in health care today. The health care landscape is rapidly changing and digital technology has transformed the way we communicate, interact and search for health information. Social Media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, to name a few, are powerful and phenomenal platforms to educate the public, raise awareness of health issues and collaborate and engage in conversations. Social media platforms gives a voice…

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Health: Online Health by the Numbers

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Digital Technology has changed the landscape in health care, and it has changed the role of the consumer, patient, caregiver and health care professional. The internet has empowered patients and consumers to take charge of their health and to be proactive.  Consumers and patients are active participants in their health care. The Pew Internet and American Life Project explores the impact of the internet and “provides information on the…

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Doctors and Social Media: Personal vs. Professional Online Content

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA The topic of health care social media continues here on Healthin30, and legal expert, David Harlow, Esq, Health Care Attorney and Consultant at The Harlow Group, LLC in Boston, answers a series of questions focusing on the legal aspects of physicians engaging in social media. Q: Barbara – In order to maintain professional boundaries, the American Medical Association recommends a separation between personal and professional content online. If inappropriate…

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Doctors and Social Media: What are the appropriate boundaries for the doctor/patient relationship?

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA   Continuing on the topic of physicians use with social media, David Harlow, Esq, Health Care Attorney and Consultant at The Harlow Group, LLC in Boston, answers a series of questions focusing on the legal aspects of physicians engaging in social media. Q: Barbara – What are appropriate boundaries for the doctor/patient relationship? A: David Harlow, Esq. – Most physicians and authorities agree that a health care professional should…

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Healthline Editors Nominate Healthin30 for Best Health Blog

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Healthin30 was recently notified by Healthline to announce the editors at Healthline nominated Healthin30 for the “Best Health Blog of 2011.” I’m honored to be included among the many wonderful health blogs.  While the editors at Healthline nominated Healthin30, the winners are determined by the number of votes from followers and friends.  Healthline will name the top three winners. Voting ends January 31, 2012 I’m getting a late start…

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