Is Less Health Information More?

When it comes to our health, we all want good medical care. We are bombarded with health information, but how do we decipher it all? We don’t want to ignore the data, nor do we want to drown in its volume. The right amount of information – utilized wisely – can be very comforting, and lead to good healthcare.

Most health providers expect their patients to partake in their plan of care. The plan entails being informed, determining your information personality, and finding the right doctor for you. Here are some details about these three categories:

Part I: Being informed about your health:

1. Most people start with the web, but there are other resources as well: libraries have reference books on nutrition, anatomy or resources for treatment. You might want to ask questions of a friend or associate in the health field. Sometimes patients who have the same diagnosis are able to help or you can seek out a support group. When utilizing the Internet, start with reliable health sources such as The Mayo Clinic, Medline, Cleveland Clinic, FamilyDoctor.org, National Institute of Health or Health on the Net Foundation (http://www.hon.ch/).
2. Become familiar with understanding the meaning of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). Basically EBM means treatment options that have been researched and found to be beneficial to a population of people with a certain medical condition.
3. Look carefully at the authors: Are they doctors, nurses or health experts?
4. Complementary or alternative medicine, which includes therapies beyond the scope of scientific medicine, should be investigated. Certainly they can be helpful, alone or along with standard medical care, but don’t be naïve about these practices. Do your research and use common sense. We are very familiar with the benefits of alternative practices such as massage, yoga, biofeedback, meditation, acupuncture, or nutritional therapy.

Part II: Decipher the information and determine your information personality

1. Research your symptoms, diagnosis, and medications. Do not try to self diagnose.
2. Health Literacy refers to not only how a person can find the information that he/she needs for healthcare services, but also how well they understand this information, and then apply it appropriately.
3. Come up with a list of questions and comments for your doctor.
4. Don’t get lost in a sea of information or statistics; limit the amount.
5. Know your “information personality:”
6. “Information gives some people a sense of control. For others, it’s overwhelming”
7. (https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/health/30pati.html?ref=healthspecial). Know your personality, and research accordingly. Also be careful with your conclusions; lay people do not become experts overnight. So the goal is to become informed and to find the right doctor, not become one. This leads us to Part III.

Part III: Find the right doctor for you

1. Communication is key; you have to be able to talk to your doctor. Bring your research and questions.
2. Your doctor can provide advice and is most likely your primary resource for health information, but ultimately the decisions are up to you, the patient.
3. Find a balance of respect for your physician (and remember the years of training) vs. feeling your doctor is dismissing your opinions. Bottom line, your doctor should serve as your coach.
4. Look for doctors who value a team approach: Your doctor should value a second opinion, recognize a qualified advocate, and obtain a detailed health history from you (knowing that you are the #1 person to know the most about your health).
5. You should find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and one you can trust (https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/health/30pati.html?ref=healthspecial).

The actual visit with your doctor. Utilize your time wisely, since doctor’s visits are often short. As a quick overview for the doctor, bring a single-page health summary (see below).* This is a useful tool to bring to the doctor’s office. It saves time and gives you the opportunity to get to the “heart of the visit.” Tell your doctor about your research, keep the questions simple and write down the answers. We are often distracted, rushed or emotional while visiting the doctor, so consider an advocate (family, friend, or professional) to help make the most out of the visit.
          *Single-page health summary includes: Your name, date-of-birth, address, phone numbers, emergency contacts and health proxy, insurance information and key physicians involved in your healthcare. Include a brief history of your medical conditions and surgeries, vaccine record, allergies, and medication/supplement list. (Do not list your social security #; it is not required for routine identification within the healthcare system).

Patient Privacy and Protection: Most of us have heard all too often the term, HIPAA, which stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This 1996 act provides the consumer with a national standard for handling our medical information, access to our own records, notification of privacy practices, disclosure policies about our health information, and processes for filing complaints and penalties (http://patients.about.com). But be aware, here are some examples of organizations not covered under HIPAA (which means they DO have access to your medical information): governmental agencies, auto insurance plans, law enforcement agencies, or data companies that provide your health information to insurance companies (disability, life, or Workers Compensation programs).
    
The outcome should be a plan of care that is customized for you. It helps to be an informed patient. “When you don't fully understand or can’t act on information about your health care, you are more likely to be in poorer health” (http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/cc.htm). Take the steps to access health information without overloading yourself with too much. Sometimes “less is more.” Work with a doctor who is right for you and be a participant in the development of an effective plan of care. The outcome is worth the time and effort.

Charlotte Michos is a clinical nurse specialist who values personal-centered care and serves as a Healthcare Consultant in helping others make informed decisions. For more information, email her or call (845) 548-5980.