Lisa Chan
Texas Children’s Hospital, USA
Title: Rules of engagement: Communicating with adolescent patients through their world of social networking
Biography
Biography: Lisa Chan
Abstract
Adolescents are known for their need to find their own voice and identity, as well as form pack relationships to enforce their peer
acceptance. Both dueling desires are matched in the world of social networking. One can easily post and voice their opinion on
matters without resistance, meanwhile receiving almost instantaneous input from peers with likes, responses, etc. This dissociated yet intimate world of social media is what increasing numbers of pre-adolescents and predominate adolescents are growing up with, which inadvertently is shaping their communication skills. After looking at the psychosocial aspects of social media, the different types of social media will be explored, stressing the advantages and disadvantages of each medium in its use for healthcare outreach. Lastly, guidelines will be explored as to what is medically legal and suggest best practices in communicating with adolescents who protect the rights of the adolescent while also maintaining the professionalism of the medical provider.