Dr Soumitra Shankar Datta is a senior Consultant Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience, currently heading the Department of Palliative Care & Psycho-oncology at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India. He holds an honorary dual affiliation with the UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, and serves as a lead reviewer for the Cochrane Collaboration.
His research focuses on psycho-oncology, child psychiatry, doctor-patient communication, and patient and public involvement in research.
Dr Datta completed his MBBS followed by DPM, MD, and DNB in Psychiatry from Christian Medical College, Vellore. He further specialized in the UK, receiving a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Prior to joining Tata Medical Center, he served as a substantive consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry at King’s College Hospital and The Maudsley Hospital, London.
Dr Datta talked to THIP Media about health misinformation, health literacy and why informed and realistic healthcare decisions matter.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
With easy access to medical information today, patients often unintentionally misuse medical terms when describing their symptoms. It’s more helpful when they focus on providing a general description of what they’re experiencing. For instance, a common mix-up is using the word ‘tension’ to describe anxiety, which can be confused with ‘hypertension’—the medical term for high blood pressure.
Patients and their families sometimes place too much emphasis on what they believe is the cause of their issues, rather than clearly describing the actual symptoms or difficulties. In some cases, individuals try to fit their concerns into a specific diagnosis themselves, while others may downplay important issues like depression due to the stigma surrounding mental health.
Health professionals may also find it challenging when patients expect medical solutions for primarily social problems, or when they express dissatisfaction with previous doctors—either blaming them for inadequate care or expecting the current doctor to follow the same approach. These patterns can create barriers to understanding and addressing the person’s real health needs.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
To me, health literacy in adult patients means two key things:
a) the ability to understand and assess their health condition when it is explained by a medical professional, and
b) the capacity to make informed decisions about treatment by thoughtfully considering the different options available to them.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
It’s immensely beneficial when a patient has a basic understanding of their health condition. This knowledge allows them to actively participate in shared decision-making and make informed lifestyle choices. Without such awareness, patients may unknowingly engage in behaviors that could worsen their condition. For instance, a cancer patient receiving chemotherapy should avoid eating street food due to an increased risk of infection from a weakened immune system. A lack of understanding can result in preventable hospitalizations, leading to both medical complications and financial strain.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can have serious consequences. On one end, it may prevent patients from consulting the appropriate specialist, resulting in unnecessary tests and eventual referrals elsewhere. On the other, it can lead to repeated and unnecessary ‘doctor shopping.’ In some cases, patients may rely solely on lifestyle changes to manage serious health conditions that actually require more active medical intervention. When patients are well-informed, they’re more likely to seek help early—when symptoms are mild—rather than waiting until their condition becomes more severe and harder to manage.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most common myths I encounter among patients is the belief that they blame themselves for their health condition—even when the issue isn’t related to lifestyle choices. This sense of guilt can prevent them from recognizing their fundamental right to access quality healthcare. That said, with this right also comes the responsibility to follow medical advice and to keep healthcare professionals informed if their condition doesn’t improve. Effective treatment requires active participation from both the patient and the provider.
Another frequent misconception involves faith in so-called ‘magic cures’ that lack scientific backing—such as believing that a stem cell transplant can cure alopecia. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it likely isn’t what it claims to be. A little healthy scepticism can go a long way in helping patients make more informed and realistic healthcare decisions.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give to my patients is to take the time to understand their condition and treatment options thoroughly. I make it a point to explain these aspects clearly and answer any questions they may have. I also guide them toward reliable sources of information—such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ online leaflets, which are freely available—rather than depending on social media posts or poorly framed internet searches that often lead to misinformation. This approach not only helps patients make informed decisions but also strengthens their trust in the healthcare team.
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.
