Patients Becoming Google Doctors

A senior citizen recently visited my clinic, feeling much better after starting insulin for his uncontrolled diabetes, along with other medications. He showed me a video on his mobile where someone claimed that insulin is a scam and has been banned in America. With full confidence, he asked me to change his diabetes medication, saying, “Doctor saeb, insulin gov ban, vaen badlaviv miyah dawah” (Since insulin has been banned, please change my diabetes medicines now).

I tried to laugh it off and explained that it was not true and that he shouldn’t believe everything he sees on social media. However, he was adamant about his newfound belief. I reminded him that it’s essential to trust his doctor’s advice rather than random individuals online who are neither doctors nor scientists.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Many of my patients forward me posts and videos claiming diabetes is reversible with a particular plant, that everyone who took the COVID-19 vaccine will die of a heart attack, that insulin is a scam, how to lose weight without exercising or dieting, side effects of medicines, even that blood pressure medications are part of a conspiracy, eating 10 mangoes a day can control diabetes and much more.

This is a serious issue, one of the significant side effects of social media and smartphones. Another problem is that many people self-diagnose by Googling their symptoms and medications. This is equally concerning because Google cannot replace the expertise of a doctor.

It’s crucial for everyone, especially seniors, to understand that not everything online is true. Before believing or sharing information, one should verify the source and credibility of the post or speaker in the video. Information literacy is vital for overall well-being, and consuming false information can be particularly harmful to health.

 Negative Impact of False Information on Health

The proliferation of false information, particularly regarding health, has become a critical issue with far-reaching consequences. Misinformation can lead to harmful behaviors, such as discontinuing necessary medications or adopting dangerous practices, which can result in severe health complications.

One of the most concerning examples of this is the spread of misinformation regarding insulin for my patient. Convinced by the misinformation, he insisted on discontinuing insulin, despite my advice. Such actions can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, potentially causing life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that misinformation on social media about diabetes management was linked to poorer health outcomes in patients who were influenced by false claims.

Misinformation also breeds mistrust in healthcare professionals, as people may begin to doubt their doctors’ advice in favor of unverified online content. This mistrust can lead to delayed treatment, worsened health conditions, and increased hospitalizations. A study in Health Communication found that exposure to health misinformation was associated with a decrease in trust in medical professionals, which can hinder effective treatment and recovery.

We have seen the spread of false information during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the dangers of misinformation on a larger scale. False claims about vaccine safety, treatments, and the virus itself led to vaccine hesitancy and resistance, prolonging the pandemic and increasing the number of preventable deaths. According to a 2021 study in The Lancet, misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines contributed to lower vaccination rates and higher infection rates in certain communities.

 Preventing the Spread of Health Misinformation

To combat the spread of false information, it’s essential to promote information literacy, especially among seniors who may be more vulnerable to online scams and misinformation. Here are some strategies:

• Verify Sources: Always check the credibility of the source before believing any health-related information. Trust information from reputable medical organizations, verified healthcare professionals or government health departments.
• Consult Your Doctor: Before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan, consult your doctor. They are the most reliable source of information regarding your health.
• Be Sceptical of Sensational Claims: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of miracle cures, quick fixes and conspiracy theories.
• Educate Yourself on Information Literacy: Understanding how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable information is crucial. Learn to recognize red flags in online content, such as lack of evidence, sensational language, or unverified sources.
• Avoid Over-Reliance on Google: While Google can be a helpful tool for understanding health conditions, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should rely on doctors for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

 Safe Health Information to Check on Google

While Google should not replace medical advice, some general health information can be safely checked, such as:

• Basic Definitions: Understanding medical terms, definitions and general information about conditions or medications.
• First Aid Tips: Immediate steps for minor injuries or conditions, provided the information comes from reliable sources like government health websites, the Red Cross or Mayo Clinic.
• Preventive Health Tips: General advice on maintaining health, such as exercise routines, balanced diets and hygiene practices from credible health websites.

However, even with seemingly harmless searches, it’s vital to cross-reference information with what doctors advise to ensure it’s accurate and applicable to individual circumstances.

By: Dr Zubair Saleem