From Edition 9 – May 2008
More options doesn’t always mean more help with a sick child, as Rebecca Welsh discovers.
It’s the middle of the night, and everyone is asleep and dreaming… everyone that is, except the parents pacing their bedroom floors with sick children. There are few things that alarm mums and dads more than a sudden high temperature or an unexplained rash, and it’s at times like this everyone needs someone to turn to for advice.

But with so many options available these days – from small GP practices, to medical centres with multiple doctors, to self-diagnosis via the internet – getting medical advice is not the straightforward task it once was.

Nowadays a growing number of people are turning to technology to identify symptoms and illnesses, using search engines to diagnose themselves and their children.

And while the internet is undeniably a rich information resource, research suggests that typing symptoms into a computer will only turn up the right result about half the time, which makes it far less reliable than many would expect. In fact, studies have shown that this method of diagnosis appears more successful with obscure and complicated illnesses – and not necessarily for the more universal ailments that will affect most of us.

Add this to the fact that experts have warned that relying solely on the internet could be dangerous if misdiagnosis is made and it becomes clear that the web should be used with caution.

So while search engines like GoogleCure are certainly useful, they should primarily be used as a starting point and should not be regarded as a substitute for a GP, particularly where children are concerned.

So how do you go about finding a good doctor for your kids? Start by asking other people. You’d be surprised how many other mums and dads would happily recommend a doctor they know or use themselves. Once you’ve found a possibility or two, make an appointment to meet them.

Then ask yourself some simple questions. Is this doctor easy for me to get to? Do the doctor’s hours suit me? Do the clinic’s payment options suit me? Does the doctor listen to what I have to say? Do I feel comfortable with this doctor?
And then the best test of all – do my children like this doctor? Does the doctor treat my child with respect and sensitivity? Do they take the time and trouble to talk to my child, and explain things if my child is old enough? Do they treat my child with special care if they’re anxious, and help allay their fears?

And even then, if the doctor appears to meet all your needs but you or your children still don’t feel quite right about them - look for someone else.

It may take a while to find the right doctor, or you may stumble across them on your first go. Whatever the case, it is important to do your research so you can make the choice that is best for your family.

A GP is not just a valuable source of advice and information on health and illness, they know your medical history – which makes them invaluable to you and your family. The first visit should be the beginning of a long-term, supportive relationship – which is definitely something you can’t get from a computer.
Further reading:
raisingchildren.net.au - Offers some excellent pointers
rch.org.au/kidsinfo - Royal Children’s Hospital
googlecure.com – A great starting point for at-home medical
information, but not a replacement for your doctor.