Doctors are ridiculed on social networks, how to prevent it?

Doctor - Photo 1.

Overloaded at a hospital - Photo: Dr. Uc Nguyen

Many cases are suddenly "exposed" on TikTok or livestreamed, which is not only a communication problem, but also a "crisis" in the image of doctors, hospitals and the entire medical industry.

Unnecessary damage

In the case of a dedicated doctor who spoke up to remind relatives to keep quiet because there were many patients and to be able to listen clearly to the patient's heart and lungs, this reminder was misunderstood by a relative of the patient as "annoyance" and "scolding".

They reacted strongly, comparing the doctor to a "stepmother" and posting videos on TikTok to criticize. The incident caused unnecessary damage to both sides.

Another case is a famous cardiologist, highly skilled and saved many patients. However, this doctor has a hot temper, is "frugal with words" with people, many colleagues commented that the doctor has a "abrupt" way of speaking.

A dilemma arose, an elderly patient came in for a cardiac check-up. This patient had multiple underlying conditions and was concerned about his health.

While the doctor was examining the patient, he asked many questions about his condition and treatment with this medicine and that medicine. The cardiologist felt uncomfortable, so he replied impatiently: "Just do as I tell you, I'm a doctor, not you, why do you bother asking so many questions!"

The patient felt sad and hurt by the doctor's attitude. The patient's son, who was accompanying him, recorded the conversation and posted it on social media, causing the doctor and the hospital to face a "storm" of criticism from the public.

What should a physician do when a patient's family reacts?

1. Understanding the feelings of the patient's family members who are worried about the illness: Sometimes doctors do not intentionally have an inappropriate attitude, but due to work overload, "thousand-pound" pressure or lack of time, communication is not very "smooth".

If there are mistakes in communication, doctors need to "look back at themselves" to learn from experience, no matter how tired they are, they must maintain the image of a "kind mother" in everyone's eyes.

2 Ways to handle a media crisis: Doctors should stay calm and avoid reacting with anger or arguing online. The more you argue, the more things will go further and become out of control.

If the doctor is at fault, take the initiative to sincerely apologize and explain clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Absolutely do not post "responses" or "argues", because it will only make the situation more "tense".

If the information is incorrect or distorted, the hospital needs to speak up officially and clarify the truth in a professional manner.

3 Prevention is better than cure: Doctors must communicate "gently", "patiently", and treat patients and their relatives with love, especially in "sensitive" situations between life and death.

Stay calm in the face of family members' anger, don't "retaliate". Explain "thoroughly", use easy-to-understand language, avoid speaking "abruptly" or "half-heartedly" without beginning or end.

If overloaded with work, ask colleagues and report to leaders to support explaining and guiding patients when necessary.

Medical ethics is not only about "saving people" but also "how to treat people". A doctor with good expertise but "clumsy" communication can still cause misunderstandings and loss of sympathy.

Medical ethics now includes communication skills and empathy of the physician.

In the digital age with the development of social networks, staying calm, behaving professionally and handling situations skillfully is extremely important to protect the honor of the individual physician and the entire medical profession.