Abstract
Abstract
Communication is the hallmark of the relationship between the patient and clinician. In healthcare settings, technology is being used more frequently to facilitate communication. There are benefits and challenges to the use of technology in healthcare settings. Digital interactions act as a new form of medical narrative, giving voice for some who may not have had such privilege or access previously. But location (where), time (when), authority (who), and best practices (what) for the use of digital interactions remain nebulous across healthcare professions. Other challenges include confidentiality, privacy, informed consent, digital accessibility, self-disclosure, and dual relationships in the virtual space. Digital interactions between patients and clinicians require flexibility, fluidity, caution, and perhaps, above all, digital humility. Social workers have enormous potential to mentor and model for other professions in their use of digital encounters in relationships as we take ownership and responsibility for online content, digital relationships, and our digital identity.