Dr Promoshi Poddar, MBBS, MD (Pulmonology), is a dedicated and skilled medical professional with a strong background in Pulmonary Medicine. She is currently serving as a Senior Resident at AIIMS Kalyani, where she has gained extensive experience in bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, pleural procedures, and critical care management. Dr Poddar has a keen academic interest, having presented papers and posters at various national and state-level conferences, and she also holds certified training in sleep medicine.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Poddar talked about the importance of health literacy that helps patients to understand chronic diseases. Excerpts…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
When patients explain their health problems, some of the most common mistakes they make in communication include issues with treatment adherence, language barriers, and limited access to reliable healthcare information. These challenges often lead to incomplete or unclear sharing of their medical history, which can affect accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly affect the treatment process. When patients hold incorrect beliefs, it can lead to poor adherence to prescribed therapies, delays in seeking appropriate care, and resistance to evidence-based medical advice, ultimately compromising their recovery and overall health outcomes.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy, especially interactive health literacy, has become increasingly important today. It helps improve treatment adherence, reduces hospitalizations and emergency visits, and is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic diseases.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient is knowledgeable about their condition, it becomes very helpful in managing their care. It allows them to understand their treatment plan better, follow medical advice more effectively, and actively participate in decisions about their health.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Some of the most common myths and misinformation patients believe include the idea that herbal or natural remedies are always safe, that inhalers are addictive, or that inhalers should only be used when they feel breathless. Another widespread misconception is that smoking just four to five cigarettes a day does not cause any harm. These false beliefs can delay proper treatment and increase health risks.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is to avoid taking random health suggestions from social media and to be very selective about the sources of information they trust. Relying only on credible, evidence-based sources helps prevent confusion and ensures they make informed decisions about their health.
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