Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Dr Sunnil Patel holds an MBBS and DCH. He has a fellowship in neonatal medicine and also has a diploma in pediatrics. With experience in ICU-based care for neonatal and pediatric patients, he also serves as a consultant in two hospitals. Currently, working as the Director of Sparsh & Orange, accumulating a total of 14 years of professional experience, he shares how medical misinformation can harm you.
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 errors patients make when interacting with doctors is not giving sufficient medical history or hiding valuable information to thoroughly explain their concerns.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy in continuation is crucial, as it fosters better communication and trust between patients and their treating physicians. Health literacy will mean awareness of the medical condition and eliminating misinformation.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When a patient has a basic understanding of their health condition, it facilitates a supportive approach from their relatives. In this way, the doctors can trust their patient, can provide more advanced level of information.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Very much. Misinformation when it comes to medical field affects treatment procedures by fostering uncooperative and distrustful relationships.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
The most prevalent myths or misinformation people often believe result from insufficient explanation and failure to receive the right information. There’s a lack of overall information gap.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The primary advice I offer to my patients is that online information lacks scientific validation. Thus, while consuming information, always be careful what appears in front of you.
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