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Browse healthy

Is using the Net for medical information beneficial or detrimental?

PHOTO: S. THANTHONI

NOT SO EARLY BABY! Looking up medical info online is mom's concern now

When 46-year-old Lakshmi returns home from a visit to the doctor, she heads straight for her computer to check on the side effects of the drugs prescribed. And when her father was to have a minor surgery a few years ago, she read all about the procedure online even before their initial consultation with his surgeon.

Beena and Shalan are first-time parents, and the Internet has been their constant companion from the time Beena was trying to conceive to all of 10-month-old Cyrus's coughs and colds, sleeping problems and recent teething issues.

There are millions like them across the world. In fact, recent research in the U.S. has shown that looking up medical information online, especially on behalf of one's family members, is one of the most common forms of Internet usage. Lakshmi agrees.

The Internet is a vast storehouse of information, but what makes medical information different is that people use what they read to make often-critical decisions.

Empowers patients

There's no doubt that access to information online empowers patients in their interactions with doctors. Shalan, a software engineer, always researches an illness thoroughly before seeing a doctor. "I like to be prepared so that I know what to ask," he says. Lakshmi says it gives her a little more confidence when talking to the doctor.

The Web can be a valuable resource on the latest innovations or medications available. It was through the Internet that Beena and Shalan found out about a cooling gel to ease Cyrus's teething discomfort, and about nerve-block pain treatment for Shalan's mother when she was suffering from cancer.

What this means is that the doctor is often put on the spot — something that is not always a bad thing, says Dr. N. Rajagopal, cardiologist and diabetes specialist. "In a way, these questions forces us doctors to update our knowledge," he adds. Dr. Rajagopal uses the Internet for this purpose and even directs his patients to some websites, especially for rarer disorders.

This empowerment also means that patients turn to the Internet for further options when dissatisfied with the doctor's suggestions. "People frequently send us queries because they are not getting satisfactory responses from their doctor," says Dr. Sumanth C. Raman, who oversees the TCS health portal, webhealthcentre.com. With a registered user base of 50,000, the website sees an equal number of men and women logging on. "People have become more savvy, and often want to crosscheck their doctor's recommendation," he says.

Cause for concern

However, research has found that people don't always check for the validity of the information they find. Most users begin with a search engine like Google, and have to sift through the millions of results that they are given. Both Dr. Rajagopal and Dr. Sumanth recount incidences when patients have come to them, terrified after reading about a frightening but unlikely or inaccurate outcome of whatever disorder they (or their loved ones) are suffering from.

"Make sure the website is from a credible source such as a reputed hospital or well-recognised medical association," recommends Dr. Sumanth. "And make sure you're reading valid, current literature."

Dr. Rajagopal suggests that you be wary of any site that promises full recovery through some new treatment. "Bring it to the notice of your primary care physician and discuss it with him," he says.

DIVYA KUMAR

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