herdiagnose

Herdiagnose is a term used in medical humanities and digital patient communities to describe the practice of documenting and sharing the process by which a health issue is diagnosed, with emphasis on patient experience and narrative. The word blends “her” with “diagnose” to signal a focus on women's health experiences or female-identifying patients, though its usage is not strictly limited to any one group.

Origins and usage: The term has appeared in online forums, blogs, and reflective essays where patients recount symptoms, medical visits, tests, misdiagnoses, and eventual diagnoses in prose or timelines. It is often discussed in the context of patient empowerment, narrative medicine, and advocacy for clearer communication between clinicians and patients.

Content and structure: Typical herdiagnose entries include a chronology of symptoms, notes on doctor-patient communication, the diagnostic criteria considered, tests performed, and the social or emotional impact of the diagnosis. They are commonly published as blog posts, social media threads, or patient narratives used for education and advocacy.

Purposes and benefits: The practice aims to illuminate patient-centered experiences, highlight gaps in clinical care, support peer learning, and contribute to debates on gender biases in medicine and diagnostic delay. It can help researchers understand real-world diagnostic pathways and inform improvements in care delivery.

Criticism and limitations: The concept lacks a formal standard and relies on anecdotal material, which may not be generalizable. There is a risk of spreading misinformation or self-diagnosis without professional consultation. It should complement, not replace, professional medical advice.

See also: patient narratives, medical humanities, gender bias in medicine, self-diagnosis, patient advocacy.