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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five

Gene ral Hea lth “Dear Doctor, I’m sorry to inform you, but I am seeing someone else. He doesn’t have a practice or a name, but he works for free inside my keyboard.” Today, the accessibility and improving accuracy of the internet has begun to revolutionise the way patients assess their own health, and the role of their doctor. Recent reports show that one in 20 of Google’s 100 billion monthly searches are health-related; a trend that has led to the term ‘Dr Google’ - the action of Googling your health concerns, symptoms and treatments. It appears that Google now wears a stethoscope as much as our local GP. But while a Google a day may keep the doctor away, we begin to look into the implications of internet-assisted self-diagnosis on our health, our doctor-patient relationship and the risk of “cyberchondria”. Here are the pros and cons of Dr Google. PROS Time Googling your health symptoms, such as upper neck pain or hot rash under the arms, saves both you and your doctor time. Nowadays, many GPs are accustomed to excessive visitations by patients with minor issues like a runny nose or sore muscles after a jog. The internet will prescribe Lemsip and some stretching, no appointment necessary – a major time-saver for both doctor and patient alike! Education Researching symptoms can increase our awareness of, and knowledge about, certain diseases and injuries, and can even equip us for some medical emergencies. People without their First Aid Certificate can still learn how to resuscitate an unconscious child, or treat a jellyfish sting or minor burn with the help of Dr Google. Money Googling your minor health concerns and treatment is free. And when GP consultant costs make up a significant portion of Australia’s $140.2 billion health expenditure (2011-12), Dr Google represents the more economic option. Embarrassment Despite the mountains of confidentiality legislation GPs have under their belt, divulging the graphic details of an infection or your latest bowel movements is still an embarrassing conversation for some. Google search results can help identify your symptoms without a hands-on consultation. Alternatives For those who prefer ‘greener’ treatments, the internet presents thousands of alternate and natural home remedies for common health and cosmetic concerns. Parsley improves bad breath, dill can alleviate gas, chamomile tea is a great allergy treatment, and tea tree oil helps treat pimples. Online community support Patients can communicate with each other through online health forums to discuss their experience and access advice. ‘Peer-to-peer’ health care, as explained by the Pew Research Centre, helps patients and caregivers to connect, support each other, and share treatments and practitioner contact details. The online support element is particularly useful for patients suffering from rare or severe diseases, as they can express their emotions in a supportive environment and meet people in similar circumstances. CONS Misdiagnosis While the internet has facilitated more participation in decision-making regarding treatment, there is still a considerable safety risk when people reach incorrect self-diagnosis. Somebody who identifies ‘continuous vomiting’ and ‘dizziness’ as dehydration instead of concussion could face serious injury as a consequence. There are also thousands of unauthorised websites out there providing invalid or outdated health information, that when adhered to, may worsen your health symptoms. Doctors are also concerned that people are turning to medical kits purchased online and smartphone applications to identify and treat their sickness, such as the Skin Scan app, which scans skin moles to determine if they’re cancerous. Cyberchondria “Cyberchondria” (see cyber-induced hypochondria) is the heightened and illogical fear of disease and death resulting from excessive Googling. Characterised by mistrusting GPs, unnecessary medical testing and stress, some argue that the internet is responsible for instilling unnecessary anxiety in already disconcerted patients. Doctor-patient relationship Critics argue that Dr Google is impacting the relationship between doctor and patient in two ways. Researchers argue that in this case, the internet undermines the essence of the GP consultation by substituting the personal, face-to-face encounter with an impersonal exchange with a computer. Dr Google deprives the patient of the therapeutic benefit and professional satisfaction provided by a real doctor. Secondly, showing up to consultations with an encyclopaedia of Google results to contend the GP’s judgement will burden the relationship with distrust, frustration and potentially risk. Steve Jobs’ decision to ignore his doctor’s orders, for example, is said to have hastened his death. Whether you’re a frequent patient of Dr Google or not, it is recommended that all online research used to identify and find treatments for any serious symptoms should always be discussed with your GP. pm pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 17


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
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