Three type of internet patients

The Internet can be a valuable source of information for IVF patients. Along with medical information, there are lots of reviews about IVF clinics.

IVF has become a common medical procedure and reading first hand stories of their struggle and triumph can be very inspirational to infertile couples who are in the same situation.  However, the problem with the internet is that it can be a source of both good and bad information, and sometimes patients are not good at sorting out which is which.  The internet can be both a blessing and a curse if you are a doctor trying to treat patients. 

There are three patient types that use the internet. The first type of patient is one who is an experienced internet user, and is able to find reliable information about IVF. They can separate the wheat from the chaff and then use this knowledge to effectively communicate with the doctor. These patients are a pleasure to treat !

The second type of internet user does not know what they are doing, and by the time they see the doctor, they are frustrated because they are lost and confused by the contradictory information on different websites.  They do not know what to trust. This type of patient is already upset and annoyed, and it can take time to educate them as to how to evaluate the quality of online information.

The last type of patient is an obsessive internet user , who uses the web a lot, but gets so lost in technical minutiae, that they cannot interpret the information intelligently, or apply it in the right context. This kind of patient can easily challenge a doctor's patience , because they start thinking of themselves as being experts !

Patients who use the internet can be both a blessing and curse for themselves and their doctors.  The internet is like any other tool, and it has to be used correctly. 

Not sure what to trust on the internet ? Do google searches frustrate you ? Please send me your medical details by filling in the form at www.drmalpani.com/malpaniform.htm so that I can guide you better !