Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter
More often than not, we patients feel so detached from the medical processes taking place around us, above our heads, that we crave a tiny bit of control. I would argue that what doctors like to call "cyberchondria" - patients who like to read online - is not only an empowerment movement from the patient side, but rather, a cry for help. We don't do it because we don't trust our doctor (at least not initially), but rather because we feel their attention is lacking, and we want to regain control over a process that is designed to keep us out of the loop.
There are so many gaps in care, but the one that is hurting us the most is the lack of contact with our physicians between visits. The technology is there, the need is there, and yet it's rare to see a solution in sight.
We walk into clinics often feeling unheard. The doctor barely makes eye contact while typing away at their keyboard. We're shuffled from room to room, talking to nurse after nurse, all while feeling disconnected and anxious about our health. By the time we see the doctor, we're flustered. They ask us questions, examine us quickly, and rush off to the next patient before we can even process what just happened.
After we leave, we start to think of all the things we wish we had asked or told the doctor. The visit felt so impersonal, more like an assembly line than personalized care. How can a doctor properly diagnose and treat us in such a short fragmented visit?
This lack of true care leads many of us to start googling symptoms and medications when we get home. We're desperate to understand what's happening with our own bodies and health. The scary part is much of the 'Dr. Google' advice contradicts what the real doctor said, leaving us confused and overwhelmed.
I believe this epidemic of patients turning to 'Dr. Google' is a cry for help and a reach for control. We want more time with our doctor. More contact between visits. More say in our treatment plan. More knowledge about our health.
Technology now allows doctors to offer video visits and text messaging between in-person appointments. This gives us as patients more access to ask questions when they pop up and have a two-way dialogue. Yet many doctors don't offer virtual care options despite the benefits.
Patients also want access to our own health data, test results and records. We want to track our progress, better understand lab results, and read doctor's notes. Knowledge is power when it comes to our health.
Of course, Googling symptoms can send your anxiety spiraling as you jump to worst case scenarios. Misinformation abounds online. We need expert guidance. However, doctors could help prevent this 'cyberchondria' by directly addressing patient's questions, explaining test results, and teaching patients how to best interpret health information.
Patients need a seat at the table when making healthcare decisions. We want to understand treatment options and have an open discussion about the pros and cons. Shared decision making leads to better outcomes, yet many doctors remain paternalistic - telling us what treatment we need without explaining why or listening to our concerns.
At its core, this cry for control is a longing for doctors to see us as true partners in care. We want someone to listen with empathy, empower us with knowledge, and walk alongside us on the health journey.
If doctors provided ongoing access, communication and education, then patients wouldn't feel so lost and out of control. We could have informed discussions as a team.
Of course, doctors have limited time and resources. But even small changes could make a big difference. A doctor taking five extra minutes to explain a medication or test result goes a long way in helping us feel heard and understood. Checking in via text message or phone between visits to see how a new treatment is working shows true care and concern.
We patients know our doctors are doing their best with a broken healthcare system. We just don't want to feel like a forgotten file number. A little more contact, transparency, and empathy would help us work together to get the best possible outcome. Our health depends on it.
I am a patient advocate, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker who founded several social startups and NGOs dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. After being ill for years, bedridden for 10 years, and solving his own medical mystery, he decided to revolutionize healthcare through patient-led medical innovation. Wanna work with me?