Make it clear with evidence-based practice
Georgina Wintersgill asks how patient research on symptoms online impacts on practice, and how you can assess the evidence that supports the right treatment recommendations.
The rise of people searching for symptoms on the internet, or ‘seeing Dr Google’, has led to a greater public awareness of health conditions as well as heightened health anxiety, or ‘cyberchondria’.
Patients increasingly conduct their own research before attending optometrist appointments, explains Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College. “What they bring in is very variable: it ranges from relevant, high-quality research papers to spurious newspaper headlines – or even something they have seen on YouTube. But I encourage discussion of whatever has been found as it is essential to improve patient education.”
But how should optometrists interpret the evidence’s value and communicate the best approach for the patient?
Login to read the rest of this article.
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
The number of people with glaucoma, AMD and cataracts is set to increase over the next 10 years. This new online tool will be a critical planning resource for commissioners and providers of eye health care.
The College, The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and the Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) back the Government’s commitment to put patients in the driving seat and give them more control and choice over their care.
One thing is certain: I wasn’t expecting the events of the last 10 weeks to take place when I wrote my last Optometry in Practice editorial in February this year.