Today’s clinicians face many issues not even conceived by their parents’ or grandparents’ generation of physicians. In addition to coping with the complexities of electronic health records, digital x-rays, and robotic surgery, today’s clinicians must interface with Dr. Google, MD, DDS, OB/GYN, etc.
Most clinicians have had patients come to an appointment clutching a sheaf of papers highlighted neatly in colored markers, documenting the vast amount of web research they’ve done on their symptoms. Totally convinced that they have put a name to their condition, they react poorly when the physician has a different diagnosis. How should clinicians react when patients present Dr. Google as a trusted partner in their health care?
“We have to evolve with the times,” said Jack Chou, MD, a member of the American Academy of Physicians’ board of directors. Dr. Chou believes that listening to the patient is the most important thing a physician can do at that moment. “We tend to interrupt patients within the first nine seconds,” he said. Many surveys have shown that patients view good communications as an essential part of their relationship with a clinician.
Clinicians can take comfort in the fact the Dr. Google may have driven the patient to seek an appointment for symptoms that might seem minor but could indicate a serious condition. Obviously, the patient was concerned enough to spend time researching the symptoms online. In fact, the patient may now be better able to describe signs and symptoms because of the research.
Accepting Dr. Google as a partner isn’t necessary. Consider him a medical student who has taken a very thorough history of your patient’s complaint. IHI helps medical practices cope with the increasing level of complexity in today’s healthcare. Call: 503-341-0593 to learn more about our services.