Issue #1
On our Radar
Can you hear me now?
The Story: The majority of patients don’t feel heard when seeking medical treatment.
Tell me more
The results of a recent 2022 MITRE-Harris Poll on Patient Experience should have many patients feeling less alone as they struggle to navigate the healthcare system Over half (52%) of patients surveyed believe their symptoms were “ignored, dismissed, or not believed” when seeking medical services. That number rose to 60% within the Hispanic patient community.
Does this affect certain patients more than others?
The poll found implicit bias to still be alive and well inside the healthcare system. Over half of the respondents of color feel their healthcare providers have biases against them based on their attitudes, words, or actions. And patients who identify as:
a person with a disability or a chronic health conditiona person with a disability or a chronic health condition
those responsible for managing access to healthcare for a family member or friend
members of the LGBTQ+ community
were all found to be much more likely to experience bias, doubt, or language barriers when seeking treatment.
So what does this mean for me when I am interacting with the health system?
The poll highlights the need for patients to advocate for themselves when seeking medical treatment. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you have questions about or have concerns regarding your patient experience. Empowered patients are shown to have better clinical outcomes – so you should continue to push until you feel satisfied with the level of care you are receiving, even if it feels slightly uncomfortable to do so. You’re the expert in your experiences, so be sure to share your concerns and ask questions.
What’s Flaring
When it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck…
Long COVID and ME/CFS may be more alike than we think. A new study provides evidence of almost a perfect overlap between long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) symptoms – which is described as a “chronic state of multisystemic disequilibrium including endocrinological, immunological, and/or metabolic changes.” While more research is necessary to conclude these conditions' similarities,this growing evidence can help provide a better understanding as to how patients can navigate long COVID.
When taking that Azithromycin…
Frequent antibiotic use may increase IBD risk. People over 40 who frequently take antibiotics may increase their chances of developing an irritable bowel disease (IBD). A new study shows that 1-2 years after taking antibiotics are the peak periods when the risk of IBD is the highest. Stopping frequent antibiotic use can reduce the risk of IBD. However, continued antibiotic use only increases the chances of getting the chronic disease. While antibiotic treatment can often be necessary, the connection between antibiotic exposure and the development of IBD underscores the need for thoughtful antibiotic stewardship.
Why breaking a sweat could have new benefits …
The first-ever Rheumatoid Arthritis guidelines on integrative health list broad exercise as their top recommendation. These new guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology suggest a range of complementary therapies that can provide benefit to RA patients, including: a mediterranean-style diet; exercise; physical therapy and occupational therapy; acupuncture and massage; splinting, bracing, and/or taping; and work-related modifications or rehabilitation. Interestingly, they recommended conditionally against dietary supplements, chiropractic therapy, and electrotherapy.
On our Reading List
How to survive the winter season with a chronic illness … use these tips to get through this chilly season.
For most mild infections, long Covid symptoms clear after a year … a glimmer of hope that it could get better.
A 7-Day Happiness Challenge … for when we all want to feel a bit more connected.
‘I want people to see us’: A writer gives voice to long COVID and mothering from bed … an eye-opening first-hand account of living with long COVID.
Top tips for navigating the ‘tripledemic’ … take these preventive measures to protect your immune system from the infectious trio of COVID, flu, and RSV.
5 Actually Helpful New Year’s Resolutions for People With Chronic Illness and Disability … here are some New Year’s resolutions made with us in mind.
What to expect in telehealth in 2023? Here are 5 predictions … what to expect next time you see your doctor from the comfort of your couch.
Who We’re Following
@TheInvisibleHypothyroidism is a great follow this Thyroid Awareness Month.
This multi-award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, and speaker living with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism has an amazing blog for tips on managing thyroid diseases.
