We are all heavily dependent on the internet these days, and take a lot of decisions after online research. Not a long time ago patients were recipients of a brief diagnosis from the doctor, a little explanation, and a treatment recommendation. But in the digital era, the patient-physician dynamic has changed completely.

Now as patients we look at our symptoms on the internet before going to the doctor and then recheck all the information after coming back from the doctor’s appointment. This habit can go two ways. It can be a boon sometimes but sometimes it can be really dangerous.

The Advantages

One of the biggest advantages is internet research leads to better care. It can become a conversation starter with the doctor and the patient knows all the right questions to ask. Because of personalized research, the patient also feels more in control and safer to discuss the line of treatment and its repercussions further.

It has also been seen that when the information carried by patients is correct and the physician responds to it positively, it fosters a healthy relationship between the patient and the doctor. But this is not always the case.

The disadvantages

When you use the internet for self-diagnosis, you assume that you are aware of all the subtleties. It can be very risky. You are not a qualified doctor but you assume that all you know is correct information. This can lead to dangerous misdiagnosis. While doing so people ignore the real source of the issue and fail to take medical advice at the right time.

Self-diagnosis also challenges the role of a doctor. This cannot be healthy. It is important to trust your doctor for correct treatment. Patients must recognize that a doctor has more experience and knowledge in the diagnosis and medication field. However, being well-informed, asking questions, and accepting well-reasoned conclusions is also a vital part of being a smart patient.