Patients' First Advocates are Themselves
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A Pew Report released last month stated that at least three-quarters of Internet users search online for health information.
And 75 percent of online patients with a chronic problem told the researchers that "their last health search affected a decision about how to treat an illness or condition," according to a Pew Report released last month, "The Engaged E-Patient Population."
An article published Monday by the New York Times explained the advantages of such online health research. It stated that this new wave of researchers are not just learning from websites but are learning from the experiences of others as well. This expanding connection between patients everywhere has led to more opportunities for those afflicted with specific or unique ailments to connect to those people in similar situations. People are even using short-message communications services, like Twitter, to keep family and friends aprised of their condition throughout treatment and recovery.
The article also noted that health information obtained online has become increasingly more accurate. A recent report examined 343 web pages about breast cancer and found an error rate of only 5.2%.
The patient-to-patient connections online, as well as the purely informational websites, have allowed people to take proactive steps in their treatment and recovery. Often times, once a lawyer becomes involved, the damage is done. The battle over what should have been done and what questions should have been asked turns into a battle over how best to compensate patients for their injuries and suffering. By taking an active role in their healthcare, patients can be their first line of defense against potential medical malpractice.
This does not include just online research, but also questioning, perhaps to the point of pestering your doctors. My father was treated for esophageal cancer when I was in high school. I give full credit to his doctors for his complete recovery after a very serious and complicated surgery and am thankful everyday for their hard work and dedication. But I also know that my mother was there at every step of his treatment and recovery ensuring that my father's questions were answered and his concerns were addressed.
Actor Evan Handler, from the series "Sex and the City" and "Californication," has been a patient advocate since his battle with leukemia in the 1980s. He has written two books on the subject explaining that many times being a "bad patient" allowed him to avoid health care disasters.
All doctors make recommendations and suggestions that are in their patients' best interests, but they are not infallible. Be your own advocate and research your situation, talk to others afflicted and question your doctors. I know not everyone has such a strong support system like my father did in my mother, but if you take the time and effort to learn about your situation whether through interaction with other patients online or through reference materials, you are already a giant step ahead. Also, if you do not feel that your doctor is respecting your choices or listening to your concerns, do not hesitate to switch. Here is some information about researching and finding the right doctor for you. There are many qualified health care professionals out there who will take the time and effort to address your needs.