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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : July 1, 2024 5:13 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital
Patient communication is an integral part of the doctor-patient relationship, and can help both parties in different ways.
The digital times we live in are defined by a deluge of information. Be it the television which relays news 24/7, or the internet where everything is available at the tip of your fingertips, information is easily accessible. However, the question to be asked is: Is all information that is thrown at us reliable? Especially information related to one's health and well-being?
The answer is both yes and no. While it is commendable that the digital age has made people acutely aware of health conditions and illnesses, it has also led to rampant spreading of medical misinformation, which can do more harm than an absolute lack of information.
A case in point is the circulation of WhatsApp forwards highlighting something as 'urgent' or 'grave' without backing it up with substantial evidence. Unfortunately, it is the senior citizens, who are still getting used to this fast-paced world of information-sharing, that become primary victims of this fallacy. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many seniors consumed, believed and shared fake news related to vaccines on WhatsApp, creating nothing short of a nightmare for healthcare professionals worldwide.
What can a doctor do to prevent such circumstances in the future? Building trust with one's patient is crucial to overcome medical misinformation and its consequences, which are irreversible in many cases. Patient communication is an integral part of the doctor-patient relationship, and can help both parties in different ways.
By clearly and openly communicating the scope of the disease, diagnosis and the treatment plan, doctors can make sure that the patient is on the same page as them. Clear communication allows the patient to be more trusting of the doctor, and helps dissolve any fear or anxiety that they may have. Additionally, the patient also ends up feeling more empowered and heard, which positively impacts their recovery.
Half the battle is won when a patient completely trusts the doctor, and is given the opportunity to voice their concerns, and can seek clarification at every step of recovery without inhibitions. For instance, take the case of a patient experiencing side-effects after consuming a pill prescribed by their doctor. It would benefit the patient greatly if he or she feels comfortable in directly taking this up with the treating doctor rather than 'Googling' it or believing any narrative surrounding it on the internet. Such gaps in communication can result in drastic consequences for both doctor and patient - the doctor may be framed for medical negligence and the patient's health may take a hit.
Thus, engaging in active listening, displaying empathy and compassion, being clear and straightforward in responses, avoiding medical jargon, encouraging open dialogue, asking for personal preferences and encouraging the effective use of technology in an unbiased manner can equip healthcare professionals in dealing with medical misinformation. These points also help patients deal better with their ailments as they feel a stronger connection with their doctor. Most importantly, the ability to welcome necessary changes in communication, and implement them is the cornerstone of any good doctor-patient relationship.
(This article is authored by Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital)
