Time pressures1 and lack of patient trust2 are factors that can contribute to physician burnout. Patients who self-diagnose based on internet research combine these factors. Expecting self-diagnosing-patients to passively receive physician-delivered medical information will likely increase the frustration of both parties. Therefore, it can be more productive with these challenging patients to integrate their internet information into patient education.
This approach can improve clinical communication, strengthen the physician-patient partnership, increase patient satisfaction, and result in better outcomes. Time management strategies can help physicians keep discussions about internet content limited to the confines of the scheduled visit. When handled correctly, there is a silver lining to patient internet use.
Internet Websites for Patient Education
There are many websites that offer health advice and information. The Medical Library Association provides guidance on finding good health information. The websites listed below can get you started on your own recommendations for patients:
- Choose Wisely campaign patient resources (American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation)
- Diseases & Conditions database (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- MedlinePlus (National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine)
- OncoLink (Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania)
References
- Cory Pitre, et al. “Physician Time Management.” MedEdPORTAL, February 2018.
- James F. Sweeney. “The Eroding Trust Between Patients and Physicians.” Medical Economics, 4/10/2018.