Dr Bhavna Sandhu is a Consultant Ayurvedic Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist with over 6 years of experience. She holds a B.A.M.S. from SKSS, Ludhiana (GRAU). She has previously served as a Medical Officer at JL Bassi Hospital and Research Institute and Raj Multi-speciality Hospital in Ludhiana. She is currently practicing at AgniShalya Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Center in Hamirpur, HP.
In a conversation with THIP Media, she highlighted the fact that health-literate patients are more focused towards prevention. Read more…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes patients make while communicating with doctors is starting with conclusions instead of symptoms. Many patients say things like “I have PCOS” or “I have a slipped disc” rather than explaining what they are actually feeling, whereas a diagnosis should be made by the doctor. Another common issue is withholding important details such as previous treatments, medications already taken, and lifestyle habits, all of which are essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Patients also often fail to explain the timeline clearly—when the problem began, how it progressed, and what made it better or worse—which makes clinical assessment more difficult. In addition, mixing multiple complaints at once can create confusion. Self-medicating before consultation may mask symptoms and delay proper treatment. Important lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, stress, and daily routine are frequently overlooked, even though they play a significant role in health. Lastly, expecting instant solutions without proper evaluation can interfere with effective care. Clear communication ultimately leads to better diagnosis and treatment.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy, to me, means a patient’s ability to understand basic health information, medical advice, and treatment instructions so they can make informed decisions about their health. In my clinical practice, I see it as more than just reading reports—it’s about understanding the body, the disease process, the role of lifestyle, and the purpose behind treatments.
I believe health literacy plays a crucial role in patient care. When my patients understand their condition, they are more likely to follow medications, dietary advice, and lifestyle changes correctly, which improves treatment outcomes. It also helps prevent misconceptions, such as self-diagnosis or misinformation from unreliable sources, which often delays proper care. I’ve noticed that patients who are more aware can communicate their symptoms clearly, making it easier for me to reach an accurate diagnosis.
In my experience, health-literate patients are also more focused on prevention—they are mindful of their diet, stress, and early warning signs. Most importantly, it empowers them to take an active role in their healing journey rather than being passive recipients of treatment. For me, effective patient care is not just about prescribing medicines, but also about educating patients so they truly understand their bodies and participate in maintaining their health.
I strongly believe that a well-informed patient heals better because they understand not just the treatment, but the reason behind it.
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 the basics of their health condition, the entire treatment process becomes more effective. In my experience, such patients show better treatment compliance because they understand the importance of medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes, and are more likely to follow them correctly. This awareness also supports faster recovery, as patients can identify triggers and actively avoid habits that may worsen their condition.
I’ve observed that knowledgeable patients communicate their symptoms more clearly, which helps me make a more accurate clinical assessment. They are also more aware of early warning signs, which improves preventive care and reduces the risk of complications. Most importantly, treatment becomes a collaborative process, where the patient actively participates in their own healing journey, strengthening the doctor–patient relationship.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, understanding one’s diet (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and body constitution (Prakriti) is essential. When patients are aware of these factors, they can follow pathya–apathya (do’s and don’ts) more effectively, which directly influences treatment outcomes.
I strongly believe that when patients understand their health condition, treatment becomes a partnership in healing rather than just a prescription.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
In my clinical practice, I often come across several common myths and misconceptions that affect how patients approach their health. One of the most frequent beliefs is that hormonal problems cannot be treated naturally. Many patients assume that conditions like PCOS or menstrual irregularities always require lifelong hormonal medications. However, I have seen that with proper diet, lifestyle correction, and Ayurvedic therapies, hormonal balance can often be significantly improved.
Another common myth is that infertility always requires IVF. While IVF is helpful in certain cases, many patients have underlying issues such as hormonal imbalance, ovulation disorders, or uterine health concerns that can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
I also notice that many patients rely heavily on painkillers for chronic conditions like cervical spondylosis or joint pain. While these may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of the problem. Similarly, hair fall is often misunderstood as just a cosmetic issue related to shampoos or oils, whereas it is frequently linked to nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalance, or other systemic factors.
Another misconception is expecting instant results from natural treatments. Holistic therapies work by correcting the root cause, which takes time but leads to more sustainable outcomes.
I strongly believe that patient education is a crucial part of treatment. When patients understand the difference between myths and medical reality, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health. Correct information is the first step toward correct healing, and in many cases, conditions worsen not because of the disease itself, but because of the myths surrounding it.
How does medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly impact diagnosis, treatment decisions, and overall recovery by interfering with proper medical care. Patients who rely on incorrect or incomplete information may delay diagnosis by trying unverified remedies, struggle with treatment compliance, or develop unrealistic expectations about quick cures. It can also increase anxiety and confusion, making it harder to trust evidence-based advice, while self-treatment with unverified methods may lead to complications. From a clinical perspective, patient education is essential—accurate information supports effective and safe treatment, whereas misinformation can delay or complicate recovery.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is always to verify the source of health information and rely only on trusted medical professionals or credible institutions. They should avoid self-diagnosis, as symptoms seen online can be misleading, and never start any treatment without proper medical consultation. It’s also important to be cautious of viral health trends or quick fixes that lack scientific backing. If there is any confusion or concern, patients should always discuss it with their doctor rather than acting on unverified information. The internet can inform, but it cannot replace proper medical evaluation—always verify before you trust and consult before you treat
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