title: Utilizing social networks, blogging and YouTube in allergy and immunology practices.
abstract: Online social networks are used to connect with friends and family members, and increasingly, to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in allergy and immunology. As communication is a central part of healthcare delivery, the utilization of such networking channels in allergy and immunology will continue to grow. There are inherent risks to online social networks related to breaches of patient confidentiality, professionalism and privacy. Malpractice and liability risks should also be considered. There is a paucity of information in the literature on how social network interventions affect patient outcomes. The allergy and immunology community should direct future studies towards investigating how the use of social networks and other technology tools and services can improve patient care.
authors.affiliation: a 1 Cleveland Clinic Florida - Department of Allergy and Immunology, Clinical Associate Professor, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
authors.forename: Ves
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dimov
authors.affiliation: b 2 Cleveland Clinic Florida - Department of Allergy and Immunology 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Eidelman
mesh_terms: D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000193:education* / Q000941:ethics; D057218:Blogging; D003219:Confidentiality; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; allergic rhinitis; allergy; asthma; immunology; social media; social network; technology