Social media is highly present in the lives of many patients and physicians, which can sometimes lead patients to encounter medical misinformation that physicians must manage in their patient relationships.
Richard Miller, MD, a psychiatrist at East Greenwich, R.I.-based Elwyn Behavioral Health recently joined Medical Economics to discuss ways that physicians can combat misinformation and ensure their patients are well educated.
Here are three notes from Dr. Miller:
1. "[Misinformation] is out there all the time. It's always been there, it's just more visible on Youtube or Instagram," he said. He added that physicians must first acknowledge that misinformation is more accessible than ever before and understand its broad scope.
2. Dr. Miller also suggests "meeting [patients] where they're at." Physicians should acknowledge that people use social media and other online platforms every day, and to be proactive and understanding when trying to manage misinformation's influence on patients.
3. He also recommends that, if possible, physicians should publish their own podcasts or other media to counterbalance misinformation.
"If you're able to generate something that you know is completely factual, you know there is good stuff out there," he said. This can serve as a tangible tool to offer patients who may be misguided by online misinformation.