Dr Jateen Ukrani is a Consultant Psychiatrist and holds MBBS and DNB in Psychiatry with over 13 years of experience. Currently, he serves in The Lifestyle Clinic in Delhi and Gurugram, offering psychiatric care. In an exclusive interview with us THIP Media, he says how health misinformation can impact on your treatment.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
The most common error individuals or patients tend to make when communicating with doctors is being misinformed regarding their disorder and its treatment.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy refers to the capability to comprehend one’s medical condition, the underlying reasons for their illness, and the optimal treatment options accessible for it.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
Having a patient who is informed about the basics of their health condition can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. It’s important for them to have the correct perspective before accessing health-related information.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Severely. Misinformation in the medical field significantly affects treatment procedures. As, when patient comes with preconceived notions about their health, diseases and treatment, it mostly has a negative impact.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most widespread myths and misinformation I’ve encountered as a psychiatrist, is the that people believe all psychiatric medications are addictive or harmful to the liver and kidneys.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
My primary advice to every patient is to avoid relying on online information (social media, sites, etc.). To maintain health and fitness, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare expert. People should always be careful with the kind of health misinformation they consume and continuously try to deter them.
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