In many cases the full text version is available to subscribers only. Some patients may have used medical libraries, but library searches were cumbersome, partly due to medical jargon and other barriers. Some doctors may feel threatened when they hear that their patient has information that contradicts their treatment recommendations, or are asked about experimental therapies that the physician is unaware of. I think doctors should have an open mind about the information patients have found and want to discuss. Physicians should look at increasingly informed patients as partners in decision-making, and should recognize the potential benefits of having an informed patient.
Studies show that informed patients are more likely to be satisfied with their care.
Some authors have expressed concern that patients will make treatment decisions without consulting their healthcare provider, and that such self-treatment could be dangerous. I foresee a time when patients could go to the Internet to find simple treatment algorithms for common problems, such as viral infections and insect stings. That sort of a resource may help make health care delivery more efficient cost-effective, and may decrease patient visits to emergency rooms. But there is so much information out there. I would encourage you or your brothers to look at the information posted in the PDQ statements or go to the NIH or NCS sites.