What is Medical Gaslighting  and how to prevent it?

Medical gaslighting refers to a situation in which a healthcare provider dismisses or invalidates a patient’s symptoms, concerns, or experiences, making the patient feel as though their health issues are not real or not as serious as they believe. It involves undermining a patient’s trust in their own perceptions of their health, leading them to doubt themselves and their symptoms. 

To prevent medical gaslighting, both patients and healthcare providers can take certain steps:

1. Patient’s Role:

Be advocates for your health: Be proactive in seeking medical care, seeking second opinions if necessary, and advocating for your needs during medical appointments. 

Document symptoms: Keep a record of symptoms, their severity, and any changes over time to present a comprehensive picture to healthcare providers.

Educate yourself: Learn about health conditions, treatment options, and possible side effects to engage in informed discussions with healthcare providers. 

Seek Support: If you feel unheard or dismissed, seek support from friends, family, or patient advocacy groups. 

2. Healthcare Provider’s Role:

Listen to patients: Take the time to listen actively to patients, asking open-ended questions to understand their concerns fully.

Believe Patients: Avoid making assumptions about a patient’s symptoms or dismissing their concerns outright. Believe and validate their experiences.

Thorough evaluation: Conduct thorough examinations, investigations, and tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. 

Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, explaining medical conditions, treatment options, and the rationale behind decisions. 

Cultural Competency: Be sensitive to the patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, as these can influence their health perceptions and behaviors. 

3. Establish Trustful Relationships:

Both healthcare providers and patients should work on building trusting relationships where open communication and shared decision making are encouraged. 

4. Raise Awareness:

Promote awareness about medical gaslighting among health care professionals and the general public to improve understanding and address biases.

By fostering a patient centered approach to healthcare, encouraging open communication, and being sensitive to patients’ needs and experiences, medical gaslighting can be prevented, leading to better health outcomes and improved patient-provider relationships. 

C/O TruCare Telehealth & House Calls PNC. 

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