Patients are now able to access a huge amount of information about
their health and health conditions via the internet. Advances in
information technology have radically transformed both decision-making
and treatment processes. The rise in popularity of the internet has,
however, been accompanied by claims that it sometimes harms patients and
the doctor–patient relationship. In particular, it has been criticized
for turning patients away from conventional treatments, misleading
patients as to the efficacy of alternative therapies, unnecessarily
increasing consultation times, and creating conflict between the doctor
and patient in medical consultations.
Medical specialists differ in their views of, and responses to, internet-informed patients. Some describe significant improvements in decision-making processes, increased patient autonomy, satisfaction with decision making, shared responsibility and increased concordance. Others, however, feel negative toward internet-informed patients and report conflict dynamics within medical consultations. Clearly there is something of a split between those specialists prepared to move toward a more open and consultative approach to decision-making processes and the doctor–patient relationship, and those who seek to preserve a more paternalistic dynamic within medical consultations. The latter approach merely alienates many patients and results in lower levels of satisfaction with care. This is unfortunate given that, when utilized effectively, the internet can provide a useful addition to existing patient information and support services.
Most patients desire (and will appreciate) guidance from their specialist regarding how best to use the internet, and will readily accept reasonable explanations as to the inappropriateness of information they have retrieved. It is important that doctors acknowledge the efforts of their patients and encourage their 'activeness' in treatment processes, as well as ensuring they are not misled as to the efficacy of treatments. Dismissing patients' online information retrieval, regardless of how inappropriate the material they bring along, will only service to alienate them and potentially result in them utilizing inappropriate information.
Medical specialists differ in their views of, and responses to, internet-informed patients. Some describe significant improvements in decision-making processes, increased patient autonomy, satisfaction with decision making, shared responsibility and increased concordance. Others, however, feel negative toward internet-informed patients and report conflict dynamics within medical consultations. Clearly there is something of a split between those specialists prepared to move toward a more open and consultative approach to decision-making processes and the doctor–patient relationship, and those who seek to preserve a more paternalistic dynamic within medical consultations. The latter approach merely alienates many patients and results in lower levels of satisfaction with care. This is unfortunate given that, when utilized effectively, the internet can provide a useful addition to existing patient information and support services.
Most patients desire (and will appreciate) guidance from their specialist regarding how best to use the internet, and will readily accept reasonable explanations as to the inappropriateness of information they have retrieved. It is important that doctors acknowledge the efforts of their patients and encourage their 'activeness' in treatment processes, as well as ensuring they are not misled as to the efficacy of treatments. Dismissing patients' online information retrieval, regardless of how inappropriate the material they bring along, will only service to alienate them and potentially result in them utilizing inappropriate information.
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