What is patient targeted googling?

Patient targeted googling is when healthcare providers use the internet to research information about their patients beyond healthcare facilities. This activity may encompass perusing a patient's social media accounts, personal webpages, or any other digital footprints that can provide additional insight into their lives that otherwise would not be disclosed during medical consultations.

Understanding patient targeted googling

Pavan Amara, a freelance journalist, wrote in a BMJ feature that “Doctors searching their patients’ names online is more common than either they or authorities like to admit. This could have consequences for both trust and health.” This comes after a foundation doctor working for a London NHS trust took to the internet to google the patient’s name. This internet search revealed information the patient had inaccurately shared during their visit. A rapid response to the feature said, “It must be remembered that all people, including clinicians, have a right to a private life and to choose what information they divulge to others. Searching for a patient should be used as a complementary approach, in specific cases, and not as a replacement for a well-managed consultation, built on mutual trust;” however, another said that patient targeted googling can assist in delivering tailored care that aligns with the patient's preferences and requirements and can be a valuable tool when it comes to offering truly personalized healthcare services that are focused on meeting each individual’s unique needs.

See also: Can physicians google their patients and be HIPAA compliant?

What to consider

Ethical concerns

• Privacy: Searching for patient information online can infringe on their privacy. Healthcare providers must adhere to confidentiality agreements and ethical guidelines.
• Consent: Patients may not be aware that their healthcare providers are looking up their personal information online, which could undermine trust.
• Bias: Information found online can be incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading, potentially leading to biased clinical judgments.

Legal considerations

• HIPAA compliance: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restricts the sharing of patient information. Searching for patient details online must comply with these regulations.
• Professional guidelines: Medical boards and professional associations often have guidelines about maintaining professional boundaries and respecting patient privacy.

See also: Understanding and implementing HIPAA rules

Implications of patient targeted googling

• Accuracy of information: The internet can contain false or misleading information. Relying on online sources instead of verified medical records can be risky.
• Patient-provider relationship: Discovering personal information about a patient that they have not voluntarily shared can affect the patient-provider relationship and trust.
• Intent and use: If it's done to better understand their medical condition and improve care, it might be more justifiable than if done out of curiosity.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

Tips/best practices

• Transparency: If providers feel the need to search for patient information online, they should consider discussing it with the patient beforehand.
• Verify information: Any information found online should be verified through reliable and professional sources.
• Professional boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries and ensure that the patient's dignity and privacy are respected.
• Institutional policies: Follow the policies and guidelines set by the healthcare institution and professional boards regarding online searches for patient information.

FAQs

Is it ethical for healthcare providers to Google their patients?

Ethically, it is a grey area. The key concerns include patient privacy, consent, and potential biases from unverified information.

How can healthcare providers ensure they respect patient privacy when searching online?

Providers should use discretion, avoid unnecessary searches, and discuss the intention with the patient. They should follow professional and institutional guidelines and verify any information obtained online through credible sources.

What should a healthcare provider do if they find concerning information about a patient online?

If concerning information is found, the provider should address it with the patient directly and verify the details through credible sources. It is important to handle the information sensitively and professionally.