... OK -- at least most of my readers aren't doctors....
I make that point today based on an excellent article published by Tara Parker Pope in the New York Times.
Titled, You're Sick. Now What? Knowledge is Power, she takes us through some do's and don'ts of using web information to empower ourselves.
There are the basics -- which you can find right here on About.com.
But then there's some excellent advice I've not seen in other places, such as keeping statistics in perspective, and knowing your "information personality."
The one I like the best is to remember that "The goal is to find an M.D., not become one." Great advice for all of us. The article cites the fact that some of the best information we can get from the Internet is not disease details; rather, it may lead us to the experts -- the doctors -- who can help us. I'll add to that point, that just because we've spent a few hours on the Internet, we are not experts. That expertise requires experience and nuances that we patients don't have.
(Although -- don't forget apomediaries! They aren't M.D.s -- but they can be very helpful to you, too.)
Perhaps the most important piece of advice in Parker-Pope's article is to keep your doctor informed about your research. So many patients are afraid to tell their doctors what they have learned. And yes, often it's because our doctors have indicated they don't like us spending time on the Internet. Knowing how to share that information can be key -- and useful.
Dr. You? Probably not. But Well-Informed You -- is essential.
Additional Resources:
How to Share Internet Health Information with Your Doctor
How to Find Credible Internet Health and Medical Information
What Health and Medical Resources are Available Online?
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