The rise of person-centered healthcare and the influence of health informatics and social network applications on mental health care

Abstract

Online social networks have the potential to enhance many aspects of patient care. In mental healthcare may allow for more accurate symptom tracking and assessment tools and provide more convenient platforms for implementing therapeutic techniques. Online social networks could provide a "one-stop" portal for: contact between patient and provider, assessment and intervention and community mental health support. The potential uses for social in healthcare are vast, but it is important to understand how they can be utilized securely before they are adapted for widespread use. As the popularity of social media abounds amongst patients and providers alike, clinicians may be faced with new ethical dilemmas for navigating these public forums, interacting with clients over social media and with how they present themselves online. Clinical and ethical issues associated with patient contact via social networks are are discussed and recommendations are presented. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.