Many people turn to the web for health
care advice, but how much of that information is accurate? Google computed that
one out of every 20 Google searches is for health related tips. Google is
attempting to improve the quality of that information, by establishing
"Knowledge Graph".
Some doctors are not sold, fearing that patients will be overwhelmed by this new offering with information that will not be easily understood, and could lead more people to self-diagnosis and maybe even panic. Other worries include whether Google will be able to discriminate evidence-based information from advice based on speculation or conjecture. Not all professionals are against Google's plans, however. Some think that patients having more access to information can help them find innovative treatments that may subsequently be discussed with their physician. As patients become more informed regarding their conditions, it can make their doctors appointments more productive and result in a more favorable healthcare experience. That is Google's target too, saying that the search results aren't meant to be medical advice, only for informational purposes and they encourage people to seek professional medical advice if they have a health dilemma.
Some doctors are not sold, fearing that patients will be overwhelmed by this new offering with information that will not be easily understood, and could lead more people to self-diagnosis and maybe even panic. Other worries include whether Google will be able to discriminate evidence-based information from advice based on speculation or conjecture. Not all professionals are against Google's plans, however. Some think that patients having more access to information can help them find innovative treatments that may subsequently be discussed with their physician. As patients become more informed regarding their conditions, it can make their doctors appointments more productive and result in a more favorable healthcare experience. That is Google's target too, saying that the search results aren't meant to be medical advice, only for informational purposes and they encourage people to seek professional medical advice if they have a health dilemma.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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