DIY Diagnosis: Self Diagnosis and Self Medication
In a recent UK survey by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society RPS, concerns were raised about 'DIY diagnosis' and the trend of self diagnosis and self medication.
RPS thinks people are increasingly exposed to wrong treatments or medication as a result.
They looked at how people arrived at their treatment choices, and it seemed to arise from looking on the internet or advise from friends.
This suggests 3 things :
1. No access or unwillingness to access the traditional routes of medical care i.e.- going to see a doctor .
2. Willingness to check their symptoms against online symptoms checker or health app.
3. Willingness to share symptoms with friends and take their advise.
The RPS suggests self treatment increases the chances of assuming they have a condition they actually do not - since friends may be non-medical and online symptoms are just guide only.
Thus they receive a treatment that may not actually work or may worsen symptoms.
So why may someone be unwilling or unable to explore the conventional route to seek medical help?
In parts of Africa, 'DIY diagnosis' is the norm for many other reasons : costs of consultations being mainly at the top of the bar and access to quality advise rapidly following.
Really, it just shows up the desire that people have to own their health care but we add to it - get quality care while at it.
