Patient influences are having an impact on the practice of medicine, but this new trend isn’t necessarily positive in the long run, some experts warn. According to Dr. Douglas Lowenstein, president of the American College of Physicians (ACP), patient influences are accelerating the decline of the doctor-patient relationship and causing a dangerous tipping point. As he explained in an interview with The Lancet , this shift in patient-doctor relationships can be attributed to patients’ growing confidence that they know more than doctors do about their own bodies and illnesses.
How much information do patients have?
Too much information can be just as dangerous as too little when it comes to medical care. That’s because patients now have access to a wealth of information online, and they may not always know how to interpret it correctly.
What are patient influencers saying?
A recent study found that nearly 60% of patients said they had looked up their symptoms online before coming to see a doctor. Even more worryingly, almost a third of patients said they would be influenced by what they read online when it came to making decisions about their health.
How does the lack of medical knowledge affect doctors?
The internet has a lot of information, but not all of it is accurate. When patients come in with questions or concerns based off of what they’ve read online, it can be difficult for doctors to know how to respond. They may not be able to give the best care if they’re constantly second-guessing themselves. Additionally, patients who are more informed about their health can be more demanding and less likely to listen to medical advice.
Where can I find patient influencers online?
You can find patient influencers online in a variety of places. Many are active on social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook. Others run blogs or write articles for online publications. You can also find patient influencers through online search engines such as Google and Bing. Keep in mind that anyone can be an influencer, so it’s important to vet the person before taking their advice.