Health InformationReview of Systems

For Doctors and Patients

Matthew Katz, MD

July 2014

Overview

Patients need useful health information Want it from health care providers Often easier to find online than to get from doctor Medical jargon always creates barriers ~72% of U.S. adults went online for health information

in 2012*

*Source: Pew Internet, http://bit.ly/1lZnCAY

Overview

Doctors want patients to get correct health information Time constraints Online resources often not trusted Frustrated when precious time focuses on

Incorrect or exaggerated information Peripheral issues distracting from main concern

Both of us need help!

Patients should feel that doctors Do listen Are interested

Doctors should feel that patients Do listen Do trust them

Too much time and energy wasted Patient-doctor relationship damaged

Solution – Start With…

Medical history that includes reviewing systems and screening for other possible health problems

Identifying patients’ learning styles and needs

Health Information Review of Systems

Allows doctors to Assess what patients value Assess how patients learn and retain information Correct habits of gathering online information Educate about effective learning habits Identify and suggest reliable online health resources

Questions to Ask

Where do you get health information? For focused health problem, make it specific (e.g.

Parkinson’s, cancer)

What kind online health information have you used? Google or another search engine Health information websites (static, non-interactive) Discussion forums Health-oriented social networks Health self-tracking websites, apps or devices

More Questions

How do you access online health information? Desktop, laptop, smartphone?

Why seek health information online or off? Helps identify patient’s key values/concerns re: health

and health decisions Helps define role

How do you learn best: see or hear or do?

Why ask?

Demonstrates interest Care about how patients learn Identify more effective ways to get health information

Good investment Identify counterproductive learning habits Opportunity to educate patient about better resources

Discover new resources to help other patients

What doctors should have ready

Inventory of information provided (e.g. handouts)

Educational goal(s)

List of reliable, credible online resources plus cautions about what to avoid

What patients should have ready

Learning priorities and concerns

Which online resources currently being used

What kinds of online resources work best

Summary

Patients deserve accurate, useful health information.

Doctors should be able to share health information effectively and efficiently.

Talking about online health information early on helps ensure a healthier, more productive relationship between doctors and patients.

Questions?

You’re invited to contact me: Twitter: @subatomicdoc Website:

http://www.subatomicdoc.com/social-media.html