Doctors go online for medical information, too

Doctors who treat children with rare conditions sometimes seek guidance from online chat groups where families relate their experiences with the disorders. While gleaning medical information from the Internet is often considered unreliable, doctors may find themselves in a quandary: Scientifically validated recommendations on many uncommon conditions are sparse, and published results are sometimes out of date or based on a tiny number of cases. Instead, real-world experiences posted by families of patients on social media may offer a broader perspective on potential outcomes. Deciding a course of treatment when it involves children with rare conditions can be particularly challenging. [Subscription Required]