New Delhi: Covid-19 cases may be on the decline, but people’s habits of going out are waning. google sensei Instead of a specialist doctor, a doctor will be stationed to perform health checkups. Doctors admit that most patients who come to hospital these days already look up their symptoms online.
Google’s 2020 Year in Search report reveals that not only is coronavirus the most searched-for topic on Google, but insomnia is being investigated more than ever.
GlobalData social media analyst Sumitarani Tripathy shared insights based on influencer tweets, stating that “some patients seem to prefer using platforms that: google sensei again Chat GPT To search for answers to medical problems. There are studies comparing response accuracy and empathy between physicians and these AI platforms, and some studies have shown that: Chat GPT They go beyond physicians in providing quality, empathetic advice to their patients’ questions. This has led people to question the impact this technology will have on the healthcare sector and the role it can play in patient care. Some patients prefer to use these platforms because they feel that their doctors do not have enough time to answer all their questions or because they have had negative experiences with their doctors in the past. maybe. “
But does searching the Internet for answers to health problems really help, or does it add unnecessary worry? How safe is it if a problem that could be caused by has vague symptoms?
ETHealthworld spoke with leading cardiologists to understand how Internet-informed patients are impacting their practice.
Dr. Ashok Seth, President of the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, calls Dr. Google a great partner to help patients learn about their health before and after their doctor’s visits, enabling informed conversations and understanding. I realized that
But Dr. Seth emphasized that the trust factor in doctors is important here. “Patients should understand that by using Google when they come to me, they are only using that knowledge to get better information about what I am saying,” he said. We want Google to help patients have a conversation with their doctor.” After a thorough counseling, you will be satisfied and ready to participate in treatment. “
For example, think of the challenges doctors faced with their patients in explaining complex problems and treatment procedures. heart blockage average? What is a stent? Where is it placed? etc. “If the patient doesn’t understand, we can’t have the next conversation. Patients come with half-baked knowledge, so Google is very helpful. All we have to do is provide some clarity,” Dr. Seth said.
Dr. Barbir Singh, Chairman and Head of Cardiology at Max Healthcare, Inc., is of the same view, saying that communication is better with patients who are well-informed about their problems, and that treatment protocols and associated complications are better. He said that when he talks about his illness, he understands better.
Individuals differ in their tendency to look to the Internet for answers to their medical questions, and there may always be a percentage of people who may be using online information for self-medication or medication. The Internet can present multiple diagnoses, and finding the right answer can feel like a never-ending tunnel. This can lead to overtreatment or discontinuation of treatment.
The “stupid” syndrome, short for Internet-derived information blocking treatment, is a common symptom of this practice of blindly trusting medical information available on the Internet and abruptly discontinuing treatment.
Dr. AB Mehta, head of cardiology at Jasrock Hospital, highlights the downside, saying, “Every patient has unique problems and no two patients are the same, so internet research does a lot of harm. there is,” he said. Generalized statements can be easily misunderstood and are very often questionable, leading to the deterioration of the patient-physician relationship. . “
According to Dr. KK Talwar, PSRI Cardiology Director, patients who come in recently are confused by too much literature and ask all sorts of questions.
After searching on the Internet, he gives a case of a patient self-medicating. Dr Talwar warned that this practice of blindly trusting online information and taking action without consulting a doctor is extremely dangerous and can even be fatal.
Tripathy shared findings based on discussions with influencers and warned that there are some issues with relying on Dr. Google for medical information instead of physical doctors. “The accuracy and reliability of information provided by search engines such as Google is questionable because they rely on human sources of information, which are often biased and unscientific. Patients tend to misunderstand or exaggerate their symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis.In addition, physicians should be professional and ethical in providing the best treatment for their patients and their individual needs. Although responsible, Dr Google can only provide general medical information that may not be suitable for all patients.”
With the accessibility of technology and mobile devices, people will continue to seek medical advice from Dr. Google. It is important to note that not all information found on the web is accurate or reliable. Therefore, when referring to medical information available on the Internet, care must be taken to avoid unnecessary anxiety caused by an incorrect self-diagnosis that worsens symptoms. As a verified source, you should ensure that you are only referring to medical websites approved by your healthcare provider or government. Consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment remains paramount.
