Where’s the line between consumer advocacy and online harassment?
Considering healthcare is often, literally, a matter of life and death, disagreements between patient and physician can escalate. A recent feature in USA Today looked at one case to explore the blurred line between consumer advocacy and online harassment.
David Altoon recently settled felony charges for violating a stalking protection order from his former surgeon, agreeing to pay $100 after a 10-year battle over a procedure that left Altoon incontinent and impotent.
USA Today details the story of Altoon and Jihad Kaouk, a urologist with the Cleveland Clinic—using it to highlight ongoing issues with online reviews and social media posts that patients see as consumer advocacy but some physicians might view as harassment.
The disconnect can leave both sides feeling helpless. Patients, when they feel wronged, face hospitals and doctors with legal teams and seemingly endless resources. Physicians, when faced with negative reviews, often have no recourse to address complaints or issues, while such information is available for everyone to find through an online search.
Read the full story at the link below:
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.