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Internet provides another dimension to ODs’ role
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The Internet. Most of us access it daily. We use it in communicating with family, friends and colleagues. We use it to gather information and for research. We use it for e-commerce. Indeed, the Internet impacts our lives in ways we could not have fathomed even 5 years ago.
It’s no surprise that our patients are no different. Virtually every day patients ask us about some “eye” information found on the Internet. Personally, I find it refreshing that patients consult the Internet. I’m pleased they’re concerned enough about their health and vision to make the effort. And, certainly, a knowledgeable patient is a pleasure to converse with and generally more compliant. In fact, I often direct patients – those with keratoconus, an interest in refractive surgery, etc. – to a variety of Web sites.
Despite its attributes, there is one aspect of the Internet I find somewhat disturbing. The presumed accuracy. It amazes me just how much credence patients place in most anything they find on the Internet. It’s as though the public assumes that everything thrown on the Web is the product of comprehensive research, peer review and some mystical form of cyber-editing. We, of course, know otherwise.
Harmless source of information?
At first blush, all of this might seem relatively harmless. After all, the public has learned to not to be so naïve with more traditional media, such as newsprint and television. Why should the Web be any different?
For starters, traditional media are – for the most part – monitored by professional journalists. Additionally, the size and time constraints of these venues place a premium on accurate and succinct reporting. The sheer vastness of the Web, on the other hand, provides us a tremendous amount of information on any subject at any time. A great resource, but not always an accurate one. Therein lies the potential problem, particularly when patients are making health care decisions.
For instance, our patients often consult the Internet for advice on which nutritional supplements and dosage are appropriate for maintaining ocular health. And now, patients can even request refractive or plastic surgical procedures and have physicians “bid” on the opportunity to perform them. Amazingly, you can now find the cheapest laser in situ keratomileusis and rhinoplasty fees from the comfort of your home.
Unsettling practices
This is where I get a little concerned. The idea of patients actually booking surgical procedures on-line is just a little unsettling. Unsettling in the sense that I can’t imagine surgeons quoting fees without prior knowledge regarding the complexity of the case. Unsettling in the sense that patients entrust the Internet to this extent.
So, what’s my point? Well, it appears our role as health care providers is taking on yet another dimension. Not only must we be sure our contribution to cyberspace is factual and accurate, we must be sure our patients recognize that this medium isn’t as omniscient as they may have otherwise thought.