The everyday routine of a physician can be both time-consuming and diverse. Meeting with patients, doing life-saving procedures, seeing images of patients’ daily defecation taken by smartphones – hold on, what was that last one again?
Yes, doctors are reporting that many patients bring a dedicated album labeled “poop” on their phone to their appointments, eager to share it. Doctors discussed the pros and cons of these photos, which can be an intriguing surprise for an appointment visit. This may be another example of how digital technology allows people to take charge of their health. Although doctors are increasingly observing this behavior, is it really useful data to collect?
Some medical professionals regard it as unnecessary or even unpleasant, and they would rather depend on patient history alone. Photos can also promote incorrect self-diagnosis. “Although it’s not always pleasant to see, I don’t react negatively, as pictures of poop can be helpful with diagnosis and management,” mentioned Dr. Pratima Dibba, a gastroenterologist. “I’ve had colleagues feel squeamish when seeing poop pictures, and they may decline because it’s not always a pleasant sight.” Read the article.
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