Dr Vishal Raj, MBBS, MD, DM, is a Pulmonologist with 6 years of clinical experience. He is currently practising at IBM Hospital, Panipat, and completed his specialization in Pulmonary Medicine from PGIMS Rohtak.
In an interaction with THIP Media, Dr Raj shares that health literacy is important for patients to reduce delays in seeking care, prevent complications, and even save lives.
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 a doctor is focusing too much on previous investigations done at other hospitals, rather than clearly explaining the symptoms or concerns for which they have come to seek help.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy is just as important, if not more important, than general literacy because it directly impacts a person’s ability to make informed decisions about their health. Being able to understand medical information, follow treatment plans, and recognize warning signs can significantly reduce delays in seeking care, prevent complications, and even save lives.
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 well-informed, it can be even more beneficial than the prescribed medication itself, as it leads to better understanding and adherence to the treatment plan, ultimately improving health outcomes.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
When patients are misinformed, they often make incorrect decisions about their condition, which can result in delays in starting appropriate treatment—and in some cases, this delay can tragically lead to death.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
A common myth is that using inhalers causes addiction or dependence. In reality, inhalers are essential for managing respiratory conditions like asthma and are not habit-forming when used as prescribed. This misconception often leads to poor adherence and worsening of symptoms.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give is to stop relying on Google or AI for medical queries and instead consult a qualified doctor for accurate guidance.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
