In my 20 years as a practicing emergency medicine physician, I have witnessed first-hand the changing dynamic of the patient-physician interaction. Among the major factors that have impacted this important relationship—in positive and negative ways—are the near-constant presence of both cell phones and Internet access.
I remember the time before cell phones, when patients and their family members would participate in their care as soon as I entered the room. They would listen attentively, ask questions, and engage without any distractions.
Cell phones have radically changed the way we communicate and interact with one another, especially in a healthcare setting. But over the past couple of decades, as they have infiltrated our every waking moment, I’ve noticed a sharp decline in engagement. Many times, a patient’s family member is lost on their phone, barely acknowledging me as I share important test results, a diagnosis, or discharge instructions. While of course it’s important for the patient to pay attention, family members also need to be present—both physically and mentally—as they often are the ones providing after care and assisting in next steps.
Before the Internet, patients did not have access to in-depth medical information and would rely on their doctor’s expertise to diagnose and treat. Now, with so much information always at our fingertips, patients can search their symptoms and come their doctor with a self-diagnosed condition. I remember one such incident, when a patient came into the ED in the middle of the night with gastrointestinal reflux symptoms. After Googling his symptoms, he was worried that he had esophageal cancer. (He did not.) This trend of self-diagnosis is frustrating for us doctors, because we now must undo the damage caused by access to information that is not vetted, clear, or accurate.
However, spending time on the correct medical sites can prove helpful. When a patient has read up on their disease and has thoughtful insights and realistic expectations, the visit can be easier for both doctor and patient. I’ve had many patients ask very good questions that they would never have known to ask if they had not done their homework. As a physician, it is encouraging to have well-informed patients come into my office, and they motivate me to stay up to date on new advancements and treatments.
My advice to those seeking a meaningful interaction with their doctor is simple: Do your homework before the visit and hear different viewpoints. Be well-informed about your condition but also don’t be afraid to ask questions. Put your phone away, stay engaged, and be open-minded, whether you are the patient or supportive family member. Remember that your time and your doctor’s time are limited, so make the most of your visit to maximize your appointment.
