Does Your Doctor Look Up Information Online In Front Of You?
Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents said they look up information online in front of a patient sometimes or often, and another 11% said they do when absolutely needed. Only 13% deliberately avoid it.
ACP Internist polled its readers in relation to its story on computers in medicine, in which it focused on whether doctors should look up information in front of a patient. From this, 362 readers responded in August that:
Medical educators say that younger physicians may find it natural to look up information online, but caution that not all resources are equal, and that patients’ perceptions may vary. To inspire confidence:
–Tell the patient what you’re looking up, and why;
–If more complex information is needed, do it after the visit and relate the information later; and
–Verify that the information presented is up-to-date, especially for uncommon conditions.
ACP Internist‘s next poll relates to its cover story, which examines the aftereffects of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami six months later. Infectious diseases, radiation concerns and post-traumatic stress disorder are issues that internists still have to deal with. But do American physicians have a plan in place in case a disaster was to occur here? Take our poll and find out.
*This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist*
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