Recently, while getting my hair cut, I had a conversation that shed light on the current issues with how medical information is shared and the resulting disconnect patients may feel.
The young woman cutting my hair asked about my occupation. When I told her I was a physician, she responded, “Can I please ask you an important question?” She then expressed her confusion about whether she should get the COVID vaccine, mentioning that she had seen TikTok videos claiming the vaccine contains dangerous nanoparticles.
I explained how the COVID vaccine works and highlighted its remarkable success. I also asked her what specific side effects or fears she had heard about. She mentioned hearing that many people had died from the vaccine, so I reassured her that severe reactions are very rare.
Her next comment was very telling: “I wish I could talk to a doctor about my concerns. I’ve been going to the same health center for the last five years, but I always see a different person each time. I rarely have more than 5-10 minutes with the person I’m seeing, and I rarely get the opportunity to ask questions.”
She thanked me for the information and said she would consider getting the COVID vaccine. She explained that it’s difficult to know where to find reliable information, as conflicting messages from various sources have left her confused. She noted that her generation often relies on short sound bites or TikTok and Instagram videos for information.
Why did she trust me? I believe the medical profession still holds a high level of respect. Despite the pressure to do more in less time, meaningful conversations where we listen and respond are crucial. By listening, we can understand the specific information people need and value. It struck me how isolated she felt in the healthcare system, lacking a trusted, consistent healthcare provider to turn to with her questions. Building relationships with our patients is essential for establishing trust.
Key Takeaway: Listening to and answering our patients’ questions takes time but is necessary to combat the waves of misinformation they face.
About the Author: Dr. Paauw is a professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle. He serves as the third-year medical student clerkship director at the University of Washington and is a member of the editorial advisory board of Internal Medicine News.
This article originally appeared on MDedge.com, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
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