Healthcare IT News recently polled its readers about their thoughts on doctors using social media. Nearly half of the respondents think doctors should use social media as a way to foster a healthcare community.

Out of those who think that doctors should embrace social media, only 16% believe that doctors should use such platforms to connect with their patients.

[See also: Americans not ready to use social media to talk to their doc.]

Only 13% of participants think that doctors should not be using social media at all.

Many people may prefer traditional modes of communication when conferring with their doctors about medical issues. But social media is a viable method of allowing hospitals and health organizations to engage not only with patients but also with a wider community.

[See also: Making social media simple for docs.]

The date range of the survey was March 28, 2011 to April 1, 2011.