Dr Ananya Sampath, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), IDPCCM, is a pediatric intensivist and assistant professor at KMCT Medical College, Mukkam, Kozhikode. She brings over 10 years of experience across government, private, and corporate healthcare sectors.
She completed her MD in Pediatrics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU) from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. She is also trained in pediatric pain and palliative care.
Dr Sampath has a special interest in pediatric hemato-oncology intensive care and is deeply committed to enhancing child health through critical care, academic teaching, and clinical research. In an interaction with THIP Media, Dr Sampath highlighted the repercussions that a patient can face due to medical misinformation. Excerpts…
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 people make while communicating with a doctor is starting the consultation by sharing their own diagnosis, which may or may not be accurate. This can unintentionally limit the doctor’s perspective. Parents also often focus on listing previous doctors consulted and tests done, instead of clearly describing the symptoms their child is experiencing.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy refers to the ability to understand symptoms, follow medical instructions or prescriptions, and make informed decisions about available treatment options. In my view, it is primarily the responsibility of doctors and healthcare professionals to ensure patients and their families receive this essential information. When families have a clear understanding of the situation and the reasons behind medical decisions, both the quality of care and treatment outcomes improve significantly.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
Half knowledge can sometimes be risky, but knowing the basics is a great start. We are the best people to speak up for our own health. When a patient or a parent understands the health problem, they can ask for the best care. This is very important for children with long-term or rare conditions. It’s also the doctor’s job to give the family the right information and help them understand what’s going on.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can have serious consequences on treatment outcomes. One major concern is that it often leads to poor treatment adherence or patients stopping their medication altogether. Unfortunately, by the time they or their families recognize the side effects or realize the treatment is ineffective, it may be too late. This can result in increased emotional distress, higher healthcare expenses, prolonged hospital stays, and in some tragic instances, even loss of life.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Some of the most common myths and misinformation people fall for include the belief that childhood wheezing should be treated only with alternative medicine, and that using steroids or inhalers can lead to lifelong addiction. Similar misconceptions exist around seizures, where parents may abruptly stop antiepileptic medications. There is also a trend of choosing branded medicines unnecessarily for fever or infections, and imposing extreme or inappropriate dietary restrictions on babies and young children.
With the rise of social media, misinformation has become even more widespread, as anyone can share unverified claims. The growing presence of anti-vaccine sentiments in India is particularly concerning and deeply unfortunate.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is: don’t take everything you see on social media at face value. Whether it’s a WhatsApp forward or a trending reel, always verify the information. Consult your primary doctor before making any major health or lifestyle decisions. It’s also a good idea to cross-check the authenticity of health claims before acting on them.
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