Recently, a TikTok video went viral, igniting the hashtag #PatientsAreNotFaking across social media. The clip features a nurse, who seems to mock a patient experiencing shortness of breath, dismissing her struggle as “crying wolf.”
In this 15-second video shared by nurse and former Vine creator, Danyelle Green, we see a patient in distress while the nurse dances and twirls her stethoscope to the rhythm of the patient’s gasps for air. The video concludes with a crass caption that reads, “We know when y’all are faking. *insert laughing emojis*” As if there’s anything amusing about belittling the very real pain and neglect that many patients face in healthcare settings (yes, that’s sarcasm).
In response, disability advocate Lila Johnson coined the hashtag #PatientsAreNotFaking to counter the harmful stereotype that individuals might exaggerate or fabricate their medical conditions for personal gain. Johnson tweeted, “That nurse’s video has reopened old wounds for many in the disabled community and BIPOC communities. Some people lose their lives because of this kind of attitude. You just made a video that showcases your incompetence. #PatientsAreNotFaking.”
The reality is that many patients do not receive appropriate care due to healthcare providers’ biases and preconceived notions. Instead of offering compassion and understanding, some providers dismiss patients’ concerns as “overdramatic,” failing to recognize that individuals express pain differently. This gap in empathy is literally costing lives.
The healthcare system in the U.S., despite being advanced, often overlooks the needs of patients, leading to tragic outcomes. Medical errors, including misdiagnoses, rank as the third leading cause of death in America. This pressing issue highlights how critical it is to treat patients with the dignity and respect they deserve.
We shouldn’t have to advocate for ourselves in times of crisis, yet many do. We shouldn’t have to shout #PatientsAreNotFaking, but clearly, we do. This is a widespread issue that significantly affects countless individuals who suffer in silence, often met with skepticism instead of support from healthcare professionals who should be allies in their healing journey.
It’s disheartening to see medical practitioners prioritize their biases over patient care. People are in genuine pain, both physically and mentally, yet they are often told their struggles are merely in their heads. How did we get to a place where patients feel they must justify their ailments?
Regardless of any doubts, addressing the needs of patients and unearthing the root causes of their symptoms is a fundamental aspect of the Hippocratic Oath. It is simply what healthcare providers are meant to do.
Johnson’s hashtag has sparked an outpouring of stories from patients and their families, who have faced negligence due to biased attitudes from doctors and nurses. Women and people of color, in particular, often bear the brunt of this dismissive care.
Doctor visits and emergency rooms are not enjoyable places to be, especially when grappling with concerning health issues. Why, then, do some healthcare workers treat patients as if they are wasting their precious time by presenting real concerns? Who would ever want to fake an illness or injury? Patients already downplay their own symptoms without needing additional disbelief from those who are charged with their care.
If we cannot trust the very people we turn to for help, where does that leave us? Self-diagnosis is not a safe option, and patients often find themselves penalized for seeking help for conditions they did not choose.
Indeed, patients are not faking their struggles. And judging by the reactions on social media, it’s clear that many are in no rush to seek care from individuals like Green. For more insights on this topic, check out our other post about the importance of medical advocacy here.
In summary, the viral TikTok video highlighting medical negligence has sparked a necessary conversation about the reality many patients face when seeking care. The #PatientsAreNotFaking movement serves as a powerful reminder that empathy and understanding must take precedence in healthcare settings to ensure everyone receives the treatment they deserve.
Keyphrase: #PatientsAreNotFaking
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