Dr Shital Punjabi, MD & DGO, is an accomplished IVF Specialist with extensive experience in gynaecology. She has been practising gynaecology since 1997. Dr Shital Punjabi is the Founding Director of Shashwat IVF Centre and the IVF Department at Motherhood Women’s Hospital. She is also a renowned consultant in Cosmetic Gynecology and actively participates in various medical organizations and conferences worldwide. Dr Punjabi has made significant contributions to the field, having assisted over 10,000 childless couples and conducted numerous deliveries and gynaec-laparoscopy surgeries. Her remarkable achievements and leadership roles have earned her recognition and accolades within the medical community. In this interview, Dr Shital Punjabi has discussed in detail the value of health literacy and the importance of staying away from the misinformation found on the internet.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
Patients often unintentionally make common communication mistakes when explaining their health problems, hindering effective understanding and impacting the doctor’s ability to provide appropriate care. These mistakes include lacking clarity, omitting important aspects of their medical history, overlooking relevant lifestyle factors, expressing strong emotional bias, using medical jargon incorrectly, inadequate questioning, and failing to disclose concerns or fears. It is crucial for patients to be clear, provide comprehensive medical history, mention lifestyle factors, express concerns calmly, use layman’s terms, actively ask questions, and openly discuss fears for effective communication with their healthcare provider.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions regarding their health and medical care. It is vital for IVF treatment too. Health literacy ensures that patients can comprehend the information provided, ask relevant questions, and actively participate in their treatment decisions. IVF treatment involves a range of options, procedures, and potential risks. Patients with higher health literacy are better equipped to evaluate these options, understand the associated risks and benefits, and make informed decisions that align with their personal values and preferences. IVF treatment may involve potential complications or adverse events. So patients with adequate health literacy can recognise and report signs or symptoms of complications promptly, allowing for timely intervention and management. Health literacy facilitates a collaborative approach between patients and IVF Specialists. When patients have a good understanding of their condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes, they can actively participate in shared decision-making, working together with the doctor to develop a personalised treatment plan. We empower the patients to take control of their health and engage in self-care. With a better understanding of their condition, patients can adopt healthy behaviours, engage in preventive measures, and actively participate in their own well-being. To summarise, health literacy is essential for IVF Specialists as it enables effective communication, supports informed decision-making, promotes treatment adherence, facilitates shared decision-making, reduces disparities, and empowers patients to actively participate in their care.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
A basic understanding of their health condition empowers patients in various ways. They can communicate symptoms and medical history effectively, participate actively in treatment decisions, and adhere to prescribed plans. This collaboration fosters a strong doctor-patient relationship, promoting patient satisfaction and reducing anxiety. Patients equipped with knowledge can also practice self-management and engage in self-care effectively, contributing to better overall well-being. As healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to support and educate patients, ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed choices about their health.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can lead to significant negative consequences in treatment procedures. It can result in delayed or incorrect diagnoses, ineffective or harmful treatments, non-compliance with prescribed treatments, missed opportunities for evidence-based treatments, increased healthcare costs, and psychological and emotional distress for patients. To address these impacts, healthcare professionals must combat medical misinformation by offering accurate and evidence-based information to patients. Additionally, promoting health literacy and digital literacy skills can empower individuals to critically evaluate health information and make well-informed decisions about their treatment.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
There are many myths that I see my patients falling prey to in my practice. Some of them are:
- IVF guarantees a successful pregnancy: IVF is a widely used assisted reproductive technology, but it doesn’t guarantee a successful pregnancy. Success rates vary depending on various factors, such as the age of the woman, underlying fertility issues, and the quality of embryos.
- IVF is the first and only solution: Some individuals may believe that IVF is the only option for overcoming infertility. In reality, there are various fertility treatments available, and the suitability of IVF depends on the specific circumstances of each patient. Other treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), may be appropriate in certain cases.
- IVF always results in multiple pregnancies: While it’s true that IVF can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, advancements in the field have made it possible to transfer fewer embryos, reducing the risk. The number of embryos transferred is typically based on individual factors, and doctors strive to achieve the best outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
- Lifestyle choices don’t affect IVF success: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor diet, can impact fertility and IVF success rates. Making positive lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and adopting a balanced diet, can improve the chances of a successful IVF outcome.
IVF is the cause of birth defects: IVF procedures themselves do not cause birth defects. However, certain factors that contribute to infertility, such as advanced maternal age or specific genetic conditions, may increase the risk of birth defects. Additionally, the use of certain medications during IVF treatment may have specific considerations, but the overall risk is generally low.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
To avoid health misinformation online, rely on reputable sources like medical websites and government health agencies. Verify the credentials of authors or organisations sharing information and be cautious of personal anecdotes. Seek consensus from multiple sources and be critical of sensationalist content. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance, and develop digital literacy skills to evaluate information critically. Always prioritize your healthcare provider as your primary source of reliable information.
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