Physicians should lean more into do-it-yourself medicine education to improve patient care and outcomes amid the physician shortage and long wait times for treatment, said Alexa Kimball, MD, president and CEO of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, in an op-ed published March 16 by MedPage Today.
Between an aging population that needs more care, a physician shortage and care deserts, patients are facing barriers that change how they engage with their own health.
"At the end of the day, while the physician shortage presents systemic challenges, one part of the solution may come down to empowering patients to engage in their care through health education and self-awareness," Dr. Kimball wrote.
Many patients are turning to self-management and over-the-counter treatments for their ailments.
"This could be a pivotal shift, making health management a routine part of life for the next generation," Dr. Kimball wrote. "Strengthening patient engagement and education is not about replacing providers but rather enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system — ensuring that limited resources are allocated where they are needed most."
That shift starts with physicians prioritizing patient education, including guidance on nutrition, reading medication labels, recognizing basic symptoms and understanding when to seek medical care. Patients also need direction on trusted sources for medical information.
Although DIY medicine can reduce visits for low-acuity care, it may lead to complications when patients mistreat themselves or delay treatment for serious conditions.
"Healthcare providers and health educators must remain vigilant in guiding patients toward reputable sources of health information and reinforcing the importance of professional evaluation when symptoms persist," Dr. Kimball said. "As patient self-management increases, the role of clinicians in providing clear, structured education — whether through primary care visits, pharmacist consultations or digital health tools — becomes even more critical."