To offer sound professional advice in good faith?

[highinthesky]

Yes I'm talking about all things general health. Those of us that do this day in, day out are very well versed in what we do, are well aware of our boundaries. One of the most basic rules is "trap-shut-if-you-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about-and-refer-to-someone-who-does".

AIBU to get really p*ssed off when others suggest fairytale and downright dangerous advice without any personal responsibility, understanding of, or care for the repercussions of their well-meaning but frankly unsafe heuristic "remedies"? Particularly when so much of the advice sought is on behalf of DC. (Yes I'm aware of the MN disclaimer and that posters will decide for themselves).

All it does is prolong patient suffering, and create an additional burden to the health system in adddressing both the initial problem and the secondary conseqences. Is that so very difficult to understand?

[madcapcat]

Nope Yadnbu

[MrsExpo]

No, of U at all. But I think people would sometimes rather hear a wishy washy "I tried this and it worked ok" type answer to their problems from an anonymous stranger on an Internet forum, than face a professional who may offer them advice which is un-palettable for one reason or another. Add to this the sometimes difficult process of actually getting to see a doctor/physio/chiropodist or whatever, then I can see why MN or some other source of on-line "wisdom" might seem a good idea as a first port of call.

[Fortybingowings]

YANBU. The gutter press has painted all healthcare professionals in such a bad light, especially the Tory rags. This means that we're on the back foot to start with. Patients often come to us expecting the advice to be wrong/incompetent etc. Also, human nature is such that 'Familiarity breeds contempt' For example, why believe the advice of your sensible and qualified GP or practice nurse, given in a rushed 10 min slot? The advice of a 'natural health practitioner' herbalist or homeopath is bound to seem more valuable if you've paid £50 for the privilege of an hour's appointment where you can bend their ear about all your symptoms. Same with internet friends on forums.