Many people’s first response to any ailment is a quick google search of their symptoms. In other words, they turn to Dr. Google. Because of this, health literacy is becoming increasingly important to understand. According to the CDC, “health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions.”
So, how are people understanding what they’re reading, and how is it affecting their experience with their healthcare provider?
For Patients
Dr. Google can be both a positive and a negative. Patients are able to do some research before going in to their provider. They are able to work through their symptoms and understand some of the medical jargon. Because of this, they feel more comfortable when heading in to see their provider because they feel equipped to correctly and accurately communicate what they’re feeling.
A negative to consulting Dr. Google is that most people don’t go past the first page of search results, and there’s no telling what is going to show up. It can range from an article from the CDC to a WebMD synopsis, to an opinion piece, or someone giving an anecdote about how they cured whatever symptoms they were dealing with on their own. Results run from helpful to dangerous. So, if you are a patient reading this, be sure to check your sources and make sure you are getting quality information. Diagnosing and treating yourself can cause things to escalate quickly, so be sure to check in with your doctor before giving yourself a month to live or taking a strange concoction made from stuff in your medicine cabinet or refrigerator.
For Providers
72% of internet users have reported searching for healthcare information online, 48% of people will go online before even consulting their healthcare provider. Needless to say, Dr. Google is here to stay. Many providers have begun to embrace this shift, though sometimes it may be difficult. Sometimes a patient comes in with a diagnosis already in their mind, based on what they’ve read. It’s important to listen to what they have to say and validate their concerns and make them feel heard.
The patient-provider relationship is impacted the most based on a provider’s response to their patients’ knowledge as they come into the office. If a provider responds by completely dismissing the information their patients bring to the table, it can negatively affect the relationship and the trust that is necessary between patient and provider.
Dr. Google is the most helpful when used in conjunction with your provider. So, your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure and gives you a prescription and instruction on changing your lifestyle. You can certainly research what has been ordered, checking on potential side effects or contraindications from something your physician might not know about your behavior. There’s nothing that can replace the knowledge and care of a physician, so if you’re worried about your symptoms or find something in your research which troubles you, contact your JCMC provider. JCMC and Dr. Google can be a powerful team for your good health.
