Medical gaslighting, a pervasive issue within the healthcare system, demands urgent attention and action. The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada is taking significant steps to address this challenge by revising medical school curricula. This effort aims to equip future health-care professionals with the skills to manage their predispositions and treat patients with the utmost care. Historically, science has under-researched women and their bodies, leading some doctors to mistakenly label their pain as "atypical." As doctors are not infallible, patients should feel empowered to speak up if they sense they are being gaslit. Seeking a second opinion may serve as an effective step for those who disagree with a doctor's conclusions. This complex issue, systemic in nature, is not solely the patient's burden to resolve.
The University of Windsor has conducted a study on medical gaslighting, contributing to a series of articles that highlight stories from across Canada. These publications aim to shed light on the systemic nature of this problem and encourage collaborative solutions between patients and healthcare providers. Connie LeBlanc, a prominent voice in this discourse, emphasizes the importance of education in addressing this issue.
“So, teaching about equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility. Looking at how different cultures view health and their perception of health,” said Connie LeBlanc.
Incorporating strong communication skills, such as active listening, is crucial for healthcare professionals to navigate these challenges effectively.
“The other bit is strong communication skills, so active listening,” LeBlanc added.
Patients play a vital role in this collaborative process. They are encouraged to voice their concerns and engage in open discussions with their doctors. By doing so, they can help correct misunderstandings that may arise in the doctor-patient relationship.
“See how you can find a common ground and all these conflict conversations, they’re always a little bit uncomfortable, but we owe it to ourselves to advocate for the care we need,” LeBlanc advised.
The importance of patient advocacy cannot be overstated. Bringing up concerns may prompt doctors to reflect on and reassess their approach.
“The mere fact of bringing it up will cause a doctor to reflect and reconsider kind of their approach,” noted LeBlanc.
However, Canada's healthcare landscape presents unique challenges, with approximately 6.5 million patients lacking a family physician. In such cases, finding another doctor might be necessary.
“It’s very hard in Canada right now because we have 6.5 million patients with no family physician. But sometimes you need another doctor. Sometimes this person is not going to be the right doctor for you,” LeBlanc stated.
Understanding cultural differences in health perceptions is another crucial factor in addressing medical gaslighting. Different cultures view health through distinct lenses, which can impact doctor-patient interactions. Educating medical students about these differences is essential for fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment.
