Radiologists, other physicians should consider their language when using social media

Radiologists and other medical professionals often discuss cases on social media, but according to a recent article published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, it is important to remember that those posts can potentially be accessed by anyone—including patients.

Samuel J. Kuzminski, MD, department of radiology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, detailed how physicians have always talked about a “great case” or “wonderful example” when referring to specific instances.

“There is no intended harm or ill intent, no actual feeling of happiness that a patient has such a disease,” Kuzminski wrote. “The intent is to include others in what can be learned from a case of special intellectual interest. This parlance is understood in the medical community for what it is, and few take offense.”

However, as this discussion has shifted over to social media in the last several years, this has created a problem that could possibly lead to hurt feelings, distress or even anger.

“It is not uncommon to see a case or an image about which others have commented on its educational value or personal interest with remarks such as ‘amazing’ or the like,” Kuzminski wrote. “It is important to remember, however, that social media has removed barriers that in the past effectively excluded patients from access to these interactions. Patients and their family members, unfamiliar with professional custom, may read this and misconstrue these words as offensive and lacking empathy.”

Kuzminski emphasizes that this does not mean physicians should just remain quiet out of fear. Instead, one should consider words such as “interesting” over more positive-sounding expressions such as “great” or “wonderful.”

“Patients value compassion and humanity in their physicians,” Kuzminski wrote. “For that reason, physicians and other healthcare providers should pay close attention to how they express interest or enthusiasm for cases displayed on social media.”

Previous coverage of Kuzminski’s series of journal articles looking at language in radiology can be found here.