Monday, November 10, 2008
They might not do house calls, but physicians have new ways to communicate with patients
The constant barrage of news, sports, weather and health information dominates all media outlets. Constant updates can be received via television, radio, newspapers, internet and personal e-mail. Mass distribution of health information often leads to more questions than answers.
Recently, respected physician Dr. Nancy Snyderman appeared on a Today Show segment concerning the dangers of immunization. Host Matt Lauer referred to it as a “controversial” topic, which she refuted.
Snyderman, armed with multiple medical studies, stated that no controversy could exist where medical evidence definitively demonstrated certain facts and any action to the contrary could lead to a public health crisis.
Physicians increasingly find themselves serving as a filter for information that overwhelms patients. While many discussions occur in the exam room, more and more physicians are using mass media tools to reach patients. A good example is this Healthy Living column where physicians and other health professionals provide weekly information on a variety of topics.
Some physicians have become full-time media consultants employed by various print, television and internet media outlets. These physicians realize that the information they share in the exam room with one patient may be helpful for thousands of others.
Exchange of information and ensuing arguments are often a good thing. Problems arise when the information is inaccurate and generated for individual gain. Some helpful hints for assessing the source of medical information are:
• Reliability– Is the media source one that will check the information for validity?
• Authority – Is the source of information a qualified, unbiased professional in that field who is not being paid to represent a certain position?
• Marketing – Is this information leading to a potential sale of a medicine, supplement or equipment?
• Hollywood Factor – Many celebrities like Jerry Lewis, Danny and Marlo Thomas and Michael J. Fox have done great work on behalf of medical causes. Others have been unknowingly duped into advocating for less legitimate groups. Always check who is behind the star-studded line-up.
An excellent source of accurate health information is the website for a community hospital. Locally, Backus Hospital provides a variety of publications, podcasts, blogs and community programs. Backus also has a Health Question phone line (860-885-6445) that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Questions will be answered after they are appropriately researched.
Another source is a personal physician. Patients should write down no more than five thoughtful questions to ask at a visit.
As the health information deluge continues, newer ways must be developed to assure the accuracy of the content. Hopefully this will lead to a healthier and better-informed population.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC in Norwich. This information is not intended to replace advice from your personal physician. To contact Dr. Alessi, email him aalessi@wwbh.org, or read his blog, listen to his podcasts or buy his book at backushospital.org.
Recently, respected physician Dr. Nancy Snyderman appeared on a Today Show segment concerning the dangers of immunization. Host Matt Lauer referred to it as a “controversial” topic, which she refuted.
Snyderman, armed with multiple medical studies, stated that no controversy could exist where medical evidence definitively demonstrated certain facts and any action to the contrary could lead to a public health crisis.
Physicians increasingly find themselves serving as a filter for information that overwhelms patients. While many discussions occur in the exam room, more and more physicians are using mass media tools to reach patients. A good example is this Healthy Living column where physicians and other health professionals provide weekly information on a variety of topics.
Some physicians have become full-time media consultants employed by various print, television and internet media outlets. These physicians realize that the information they share in the exam room with one patient may be helpful for thousands of others.
Exchange of information and ensuing arguments are often a good thing. Problems arise when the information is inaccurate and generated for individual gain. Some helpful hints for assessing the source of medical information are:
• Reliability– Is the media source one that will check the information for validity?
• Authority – Is the source of information a qualified, unbiased professional in that field who is not being paid to represent a certain position?
• Marketing – Is this information leading to a potential sale of a medicine, supplement or equipment?
• Hollywood Factor – Many celebrities like Jerry Lewis, Danny and Marlo Thomas and Michael J. Fox have done great work on behalf of medical causes. Others have been unknowingly duped into advocating for less legitimate groups. Always check who is behind the star-studded line-up.
An excellent source of accurate health information is the website for a community hospital. Locally, Backus Hospital provides a variety of publications, podcasts, blogs and community programs. Backus also has a Health Question phone line (860-885-6445) that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Questions will be answered after they are appropriately researched.
Another source is a personal physician. Patients should write down no more than five thoughtful questions to ask at a visit.
As the health information deluge continues, newer ways must be developed to assure the accuracy of the content. Hopefully this will lead to a healthier and better-informed population.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC in Norwich. This information is not intended to replace advice from your personal physician. To contact Dr. Alessi, email him aalessi@wwbh.org, or read his blog, listen to his podcasts or buy his book at backushospital.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 3:50 PM 
