Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia, 2020 asserts that between 8% and 15% of all hospital admissions in the US are the result of diagnostic error, which includes missed, incorrect or delayed diagnosis. Vuyile Madwantsi
DOCTORS are taught to take a patient’s medical history, listen carefully to what the patient is complaining about, and then examine the patient. | PEXELS
MEDICAL GASLIGHTING
and why it affects mostly women
A THOROUGH history, including information from family members and other medical professionals, and a thorough physical examination are fundamental steps that, when combined, will produce the correct diagnosis in more than 80% of cases. By contrast, failure to follow these steps results in 40% of missed diagnoses. Founder and chief physician of Dr Concierge SA, a Sandton-based concierge medical practice, Dr Lelo Latakgomo holds a medical degree from UCT and is an experienced family physician who is passionate about all things associated with primary health, preventative care, and optimising health for the entire family, from children to grandparents. She spoke to IOL about medical gaslighting. Gaslighting occurs when someone has the ability to make you doubt your own feelings and thoughts. Additionally, it may make you feel disregarded or demeaned. Dr Latakgomo gives more insight into medical gaslighting below: “Medical gaslighting can affect anyone. However, it has been shown that it occurs frequently among women and people of colour. “Doctors are taught to take a patient’s medical history, listen carefully to what the patient is complaining about, and then
