Dr Deepa Khandelwal Vats, MBBS, MS, is a highly skilled ENT Surgeon and Pediatric Sleep Specialist with 20 years of experience. Certified by the European Board in Otolaryngology, she practices at Kings College Hospital London, Dubai, providing expert care in ENT disorders and pediatric sleep health.
In an interview with THIP Media, Dr Deepa talked about the importance of health literacy and the negative impact of misinformation on treatment, also suggesting ways to combat this issue.
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 when communicating with doctors is providing vague descriptions of their illnesses and the onset of symptoms. Language barriers can further complicate the exchange, and patients often struggle to differentiate the severity of their symptoms or share critical details. Additionally, many fail to bring proper documentation of their previous treatments and medications, which can impact accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy is the ability of patients to comprehend and process essential health information, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their health. It plays a vital role, as individuals with higher health literacy are better equipped to navigate the healthcare system, adhere to treatment plans, and participate in preventive health measures, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When patients are knowledgeable, they are more likely to follow treatment plans, ask insightful questions, and track their symptoms effectively. This also promotes improved communication with healthcare providers, leading to more personalized and efficient care.
How does medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can lead to harmful decisions. Excessive ‘googling’ can result in inaccurate self-diagnosis and heightened anxiety. The term ‘cyberchondria’ describes the condition where patients become overly anxious after extensively searching for information about their symptoms. This can cause them to avoid evidence-based treatments, misuse medications, or try unproven therapies. Such actions can delay proper care, worsen symptoms, or create unnecessary complications, ultimately jeopardizing the effectiveness of the entire treatment process.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Some common myths include the overuse of antibiotics for viral infections, the misconception that vaccines are unsafe, the belief that herbal supplements can replace prescribed medications, and the assumption that alternative or ‘natural’ treatments are always safer than pharmaceutical options.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
I advise my patients to obtain information from reliable, evidence-based sources such as healthcare professionals, trusted medical websites (e.g., CDC, WHO), or peer-reviewed journals. It’s also important for patients to consult with a qualified healthcare provider and ask questions during doctor appointments before making any health-related decisions.
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