The risks of misinformation being spread through online patient forums can be mitigated by communication strategies aimed at physicians and organizations.
AMA J Ethics. 2017;19(11):1088-1095. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2017.19.11.ecas3-1711.
Clinicians in Catholic health care institutions cannot prescribe contraceptives for pregnancy prevention under a false diagnosis without committing fraud and contravening doctrine. Referrals are one option the authors consider for navigating patient requests for contraception.
AMA J Ethics. 2018;20(7):E630-636. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2018.630.
Using the patient’s worldview to challenge his or her decision and establish a treatment plan—implying the view is shared by the physician when it is not—could be seen as manipulative and deceptive.