Module 5

-Why would a patient want to create a blog? What might they gain from this?
-Why would a health care provider create a blog?
-What are ethical considerations when blogging on a public website, such as we've used for this class?

I think patients and their families like to create blogs because it is an easy way to share information with everyone.  It limits the amount of time one would spend on the phone answering questions and relaying what has been going on in terms of care and treatment.  Another benefit is that readers can post comments to the blog.  It is a good form of mass communication.  Also some patients may find it therapeutic to share thoughts and feelings publicly.
A healthcare provider may want to provide a blog as a form of advertisement.  It is a way for them to convey their practice mission and values of care.  A provider might also write a blog in order to get the word out on their methods.  This could be useful to other providers.
There are many ethical considerations when blogging.  A patient who is blogging might want to keep the full names of providers/care takers private.  You should always check with someone before you post information about them.  Providers who blog should follow HIPAA standards. Patient names and conditions should not be used.  Public blogs can be viewed by anyone and this should always be kept in mind when blogging.