Google Wisdom 💡

I have just heard (again) of a person being ‘told off’ by a midwife for looking stuff up on Google.

Or rather, a midwife assumed that the person had googled ‘no vaginal examinations’ and therefore decided that they didn’t want any.

I mean:

A: People can decide they don’t want other people’s fingers in their vagina without any reason WHATSOEVER. For simply preferring ‘no penetration’.

And B: There are PLENTY or reasons as to why someone might prefer no vaginal examinations.

Some are: Not wanting to disturb physiology. Infection control. Previous trauma. Wanting to avoid discomfort. Etc etc.

Saying ‘Don’t believe anything you read on Google’ is simply another statement to gatekeep empowerment.

To limit information.

To avoid tricky discussions.

‘Please don’t think too much, read too much, consider your options too much. Please comply with our care pathway. Don’t order ‘off menu’. ‘

Can Google be the source of terrible unreliable information information? YES. So can some HCPs.

Does it help to know how to appraise sources and quality of information? Yes. Including information coming from HCPs.

Is it sometimes hard to find context and nuance? Also yes. But that is the case during consultations with HCPs as well.

As a midwife, I would be LOST without Google. What would I do without every snippet of info I could possibly need at my fingertips???

I have no idea how HCPs coped before!

The same is true for people accessing care.

Google is an amazing portal into the world of information that can transform the understanding of care for women and people , and enable them to access the information that is important to THEM.

Support groups. Second opinions. Signposting by other professionals. Etc etc.

Please don’t feel guilty or silly for using Google. Every single Heath care professional I know does so as well 🥴 but DO curate your source 😬