Dr Sheshadev Senapati, BHMS, MD (Homoeo), completed his BHMS from the prestigious National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata (Government of India). He then earned his MD (Homoeo) from Dr NTR University of Health Sciences.
He has served as a Medical Officer under the Government of Jharkhand and is currently working as an HMO under the Odisha Public Service Commission, Government of Odisha. In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Senapati emphasised on the need of eliminating health misinformation and make people health literate. Read more…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
The most common mistake patients make is not sharing their symptoms openly. When a patient visits us, we expect them to describe everything as it is, but many tend to decide for themselves which symptoms are important and hide the rest, assuming they’re not relevant. Another frequent issue is self-diagnosis—patients often come with preconceived notions and try to guide the physician in a particular direction, which can actually hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy is a crucial aspect of healthcare. To me, it means having the basic knowledge that enables a person to make informed decisions about their health, understand medical instructions correctly, and know when to seek professional help. While having health literacy is important, it is equally vital to be aware of misinformation. One should avoid using the Internet or AI for self-diagnosis or to guide the physician, as this can negatively impact treatment outcomes.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When patients have a basic understanding of their health conditions, it benefits both them and their physicians. Knowledgeable patients communicate their symptoms more clearly and effectively, which saves time and avoids confusion. They also understand the role of medicine, diet, and exercise in their specific circumstances, leading to better adherence to treatment. Being aware of warning signs allows for early detection of problems and timely consultation with physicians. Moreover, informed patients feel empowered to participate in shared decision-making, avoid misinformation, and practice better self-care, ultimately improving health outcomes.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can have long-lasting negative effects on treatment outcomes. Patients may hide certain symptoms, thinking they are unimportant, which can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. Belief in superstitions can result in non-compliance with prescribed medicines and medical advice. Misusing or overusing medications without understanding potential side effects can cause serious harm. Additionally, spreading misinformation about health issues poses a public health risk. Overall, medical misinformation slows down effective treatment, increases risks and costs, and undermines trust in healthcare.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Myths and misinformation are particularly widespread in the medical field, and it often takes considerable effort to convince patients what is truly beneficial for their health. Health awareness and literacy remain a challenge not only among the rural and less-educated population but also among those who rely heavily on the Internet for advice. Some common misconceptions include taking antibiotics for every ailment, believing that eating rice causes diabetes, assuming home remedies have no side effects, thinking homeopathy is just a sugar pill that can be taken without limits, and using Google to self-diagnose based on symptoms.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
Most common advice I give to my patient is not to rely on the Internet for every health problem—what seems like a small headache could be misdiagnosed online as something serious like a brain tumor. Always check the source of information and trust official channels such as government health websites or WHO guidance, rather than sponsored or misleading content. Remember, one size does not fit all—what works for someone else may not work for you. Always discuss any health decisions with your doctor, and be cautious of so-called miracle cures.
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