Patients and doctors: the Internet changes everything

Type in any search engine, for example, “flu”, and hundreds of links will immediately appear: symptoms, diagnosis, methods of treatment and prevention … Medical sites, blogs and forums are an inexhaustible source of information. Everything can be found on the Internet. For ten years now, users have been discussing their symptoms on the Web, comparing doctors’ prescriptions, and comparing treatment methods.

Such online activity is to some extent explained by the dissatisfaction with communication with doctors. Many of us are familiar with the disappointment after meeting with the doctor – it seems that he was not attentive enough, he did not have enough time to listen to us, discuss what we are now experiencing, explain the meaning of the treatment. You have to take care of your own health.

According to a 2009 VTsIOM poll, 33% of Russians self-medicate. Internet search for specialists and medical centers takes up more and more space in this process. The unlimited resources that the Web offers have forever changed the relationship between doctor and patient. And in many cases, for the better.

Informed patients: benefit or harm?

In the early 2000s, the medical community was divided into opponents and supporters of the Internet. Today, supporters seem to be in the majority. Finding an explanation for an unfamiliar term, learning about possible side effects of prescribed medications, getting an answer to a question that the doctor left unattended – now it’s all easier than ever. A few clicks of the mouse – and we will get an answer to all our questions, as well as exchange opinions with other forum visitors or find out the point of view of a doctor during an online consultation.

Do these changes mean that there has been a revolution in medicine? “The Internet gives the relationship between doctor and patient a new impetus and reduces the distance between us,” says cardiologist Alexander Zholudev. “Now residents of the most remote regions have the opportunity to consult with specialists from the country’s leading medical clinics. In addition, with the advent of Skype and webcams, it became possible to examine the patient from a distance, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the consultation.”

But the Internet also creates new problems. Doctors and journalists often talk about the dangers of Internet treatment – inaccurate information, erroneous diagnoses, the sale of dubious or counterfeit drugs and tests … And yet, for patients and doctors, a return to the past is hardly possible.

Patients are better informed and their demands are growing. What do doctors think about it? “It is easier to communicate with those who know a lot about their health or illness,” says Alexander Zholudev. “They clearly describe their symptoms, thoughtfully discuss the course of treatment I have chosen, and take their medications responsibly, considering, for example, possible side effects.”

“I am still annoyed by “all-knowing” patients, admits therapist Elena Fedotova. “They are taking too long to receive, and I simply don’t have time for detailed conversations. For a shift, I have to accept (only by appointment!) 12-15 people. But I don’t seem to have a choice, and I have to admit: the Internet is part of our life, and there will be more and more educated, interested patients.”

Doctors are losing their credibility?

More recently, the decision was made by the doctor, and the patient unconditionally obeyed his authority. How can one object to a diagnosis or a prescribed remedy if the only source of information about the disease (other than the doctor) was the medical manual, reading which many, like the hero Jerome K. Jerome, found everything but childbed fever? For fear of displeasing the doctor (and thus worsening the quality of their treatment), patients hid their doubts, did not talk about deviation from the regimen or treatment with alternative medicine methods.

“There is no equality in such relationships: the patient is in a vulnerable position,” says clinical psychologist Yakov Kochetkov. “He, like a child, seeks the approval and support of his doctor. The patient gives him full power. And that one, out of narcissism, tries to keep it.” Western doctors work according to approved protocols, while Russian doctors rely more on their experience in determining the diagnosis and choosing treatment tactics.

“This state of affairs feeds medical narcissism, parting with which is very difficult for many doctors,” the psychologist adds. When we get sick, we still become dependent on the doctor, but the Internet has made us freer. “Today it is easier for a patient to express his opinion, because he knows that there is an alternative,” says Alexander Zholudev.

Fear of causing discontent gradually gives way to the need for communication. “Thanks to the Internet, patients can now enter into a dialogue with their doctor, argue their point of view with arguments,” emphasizes therapist Evgeny Paperny, editor-in-chief of Med Portal. – They are not afraid to ask questions and even argue with the doctor if they do not agree with him. The patient who knows why he is prescribed this drug and not another, takes an active part in the treatment of his disease. And this is a huge advance in medicine.”

Online hypochondriacs – a new type of patient

“Doctor, I read on the Internet…” Patients follow the news of science. “Perhaps, medicine and computer technology are two unique areas that are developing rapidly: today we read about new products, and tomorrow they become an everyday reality,” Evgeny Paperny states.

“However, it is impossible not to admit that along with the increase in the volume of medical information on the Internet, the number of hypochondriacs is also growing,” psychotherapist Olga Dolgopolova analyzes the situation. “These are very vulnerable people with a fragile psyche. And their desire to know everything about their health in detail is a kind of psychological defense.”

And yet, online hypochondriacs and doctors who wince at the mere word “internet” remain in the minority. “In recent years, more and more colleagues do not perceive the Internet as a threat and can safely admit that not everyone knows,” notes Yevgeny Paperny. “And of course they care about relationships with patients.”

New opportunities to find like-minded people and get support

The personal experience that members of online communities share with each other far exceeds the amount of individual knowledge of any doctor. “Besides, forums are a truly democratic form of communication. Everyone can express their opinion, and there are no ranks, titles, titles. Here they freely express their feelings, “relieve” irritation, they can complain about a doctor or a clinic,” states Yakov Kochetkov.

Many forums operate as associations that bring patients together. Regular users help beginners navigate, provide psychological support and answer a wide variety of questions – how to find a nurse to care for a sick relative; where to buy the necessary dietary products…

For chronically ill patients, the Internet is especially valuable – after all, they need daily support so much. “Here, much faster than in medical institutions, there is information about new drugs and methods that help improve the quality of life of patients,” continues Yakov Kochetkov. And online forums are a huge help in this.

People suffering from serious illnesses, especially those to which the society is ambiguous (HIV / AIDS, hepatitis), no longer feel lonely, abandoned. They belong to a large reference group. And this in itself has a calming effect, and the opportunity to share your experience on the forum and be useful to others raises self-esteem.”

Thanks to the Internet, we have become more attentive to our health, to the well-being of other people and, most importantly, to the quality of medical services. Now we rely not only on the trust in the doctor, but also on medical information and the experience of other people. And we can improve the quality of our treatment.