Threads about going to A&E

[Frombothsidesnow]

There are so many threads at the moment about whether or not a poster should seek urgent medical attention. It bothers me enormously that some people might refrain from talking to a medical professional or going to A&E because of the crowds of posters telling them not to waste NHS time. This could be dangerous; none of us can diagnose whether someone is seriously ill on the internet, let alone people with no medical training.

On threads in the Health section there's a MN disclaimer about the qualifications of posters, and you also regularly post on threads where people appear to be offering assistance to others to remind them not to give too much of themselves. Could you consider a standard message on these A&E threads reminding OPs not to rely on the views of random posters but to seek proper medical advice?

I am genuinely worried that these misguided posters will lead to someone who should have sought urgent help staying away and ending up in serious trouble.

Agree

Great post

Yes, you're right.

The only times I've gone into A & E were with cholecystitis and pneumonia. I didn't hesitate for one second to attend as I knew something was wrong. And I've taken my youngest DD in a few times as she had a habit of breaking bones (collarbone and wrist).

I think if people need affirmation of medical symptoms from a bunch of strangers on the internet, it's a bit odd. But yes I'd agree it's a risky strategy. I think 111 are better judges of medical need myself and usually tell people so!

I think people have got so wary of being seen to be 'wasting resources' that they doubt their own judgement. Or maybe are feeling too rotten to make the decision easily. There have been posters who were unsure who've been very seriously ill after all. Obviously there will be people posting who don't need to be seen in A&E but there's no way of knowing who they are!

Thanks for the supportive posts.

I agree.

There should be one for animals too. I stupidly posted about one of my cats having an injury and was told if I didn't get her to a vet I'd be personally responsible for her excruciating death (maybe exaggerating). I took her to the vet the next day and she confirmed it was a superficial injury. I learnt my lesson!!

I agree OP. I particularly hate the ‘well you are posting on mumsnet so clearly it’s not an emergency!’ posts.

I can understand why people do ask though. Sometimes (as in this morning’s thread) there is a really long wait for 111 or other primary care provider and people are worried about wasting resources by contacting a doctor. Also, I suppose years ago people generally lived closer to extended family, so if your toddler had a rash for example and your mum and granny and sister and aunt all thought it was chicken pox you’d feel confident your toddler did have chicken pox and be happy to treat them at home. If they all thought it looked like Scarlet Fever you’d call the doctor. Now everyone leads much more separate lives, so maybe we rely on forums and the internet in general for an ‘initial triage’. Not saying it’s wise, I just get why people do ask.

I'm not sure a warning would help. I don't think somebody who is taking medical (or legal) advice from anonymous randoms on the internet will be deterred by a disclaimer.

" Could you consider a standard message on these A&E threads reminding OPs not to rely on the views of random posters but to seek proper medical advice? "

We can absolutely do this, OP - we'll have a chat about it this week. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

People need to see MN for what it is, a massive chat forum with some posters who know a lot about certain subjects but also lots of trolls, misinformed people and bullshitters.

It isn't a helpline or a source of reputable advice.

I agree. This is not a health line, it worries me too especially when people are told not to worry, wait till the morning, it's not an emergency, we don't know what has happened and it's very irresponsible.