Sir, – Further to "Medical Matters: Symptom checker sites beat Dr Google, but still get it wrong most of the time" (Health + Family, July 27th), I agree with Dr Muiris Houston's observation on the dangers around the internet's role as health guide and symptom checker. I also think his article highlights the greater issue around people's access to healthcare and the quality of conversations had in medical situations.
People sometimes use the internet because they don’t always feel that they are fully listened to in medical situations and the internet allows them the privacy and the time to further explore their symptoms.
Also, there is a conflict around accessing internet information as often healthcare providers will direct people to “official” websites for advice on a flu epidemic, for example.
The advice on these sites may be appropriate knowledge but often people don’t discriminate between sites in the same way as a medical professional might.
I think that if people felt more able to express themselves in medical situations it would in part assist in people feeling like they have control over their bodies in healthcare situations and therefore alleviate the need for further internet research. – Yours, etc,
Dr LOUISE DAWSON,
Glaslough,
Co Monaghan.