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How to uncover patients' alternative therapies
The Internet has become a virtual encyclopedia for inquiring minds, offering a plethora of "free" medical advice on alternative therapies from herbal supplements to acupuncture and massage therapy. Unfortunately, your patients may be using the Internet to diagnose and treat their own conditions with approaches that may be questionable or even dangerous.
As you're well aware, it's important to know what alternative therapies your patients are using, not only so you can alert them to potential dangers but also so you won't unknowingly create harm by taking kava for anxiety, for example, but if you don't know about it you could order a prescription drug. The resulting drug interactions could be harmful to the patient and, in worst cases, could expose you to malpractice charges.
The problem of course is that patients aren't always eager to volunteer that information. Some may believe you won't understand; others simply don't think that what they're doing is worth mentioning. Whatever the reason, how can you elicit the information without alienating your patients?
The first line of defense may be to ask the patient whether he or she is taking any vitamins or herbal supplements. Another is to make sure you explain the possible side effects of any medication you prescribe, including potentially adverse interactions with otherwise benign substances.
As you know, alternative therapies have been used for centuries in some countries and are widely accepted as the norm. Patients from those ethnic backgrounds may seek treatments regardless of your recommendations. It will be up to you to ferret out what they're doing, so develop an effective approach sooner rather than later. |
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