Health information is one of the most frequently sought topics on the Internet. A review of the literature was carried out to determine the use of the Internet for health information by patients. This study summarizes multiple empirical studies on a single subject.
Health information is one of the most frequently sought topics on the Internet. On average 53% of Americans and 23% of Europeans search the Internet for health information. 41.5% of the people within the EU think that the Internet is a good way of obtaining health information.
Internet is widely available at home, work, libraries and thus convenient (Williams et al., 2003). Increased information from the Internet can improve patients’ understanding of their medical condition and self-care, thereby reducing unnecessary visits to the doctor (Wanless, 2002). There exists a strong relationship between Internet use and patients’ self-efficacy and health behaviour. (Eysenbach, 2003).
Internet literature search was conducted on the health electronic databases such PubMed, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, using the terms ‘Internet’, ‘health information’, ‘patient–health professional relationship’, between the years 1985–2005.
Patients do not see the Internet as a replacement for the health professional. People go online to confirm the information given and some go online if they become dissatisfied with the information provided to them.
It is important that health professionals acknowledge patients’ search for knowledge, and guide them to reliable health websites. Courses such as ‘health or patient informatics’ should be integrated in the health professional’s education.
Is the source academically suitable, and how do you know?
Yes. This source was published by Elsevier, one of the world's major providers of scientific, information and was established in 1880. The author of the source, Miriam McMullan from the University of Plymouth is an authority in the subject with 957 citations on research gate (www.researchgate.net/profile/Miriam_Mcmullan3).
What is the purpose of the source?
Summarises information from reports and original research works to provide interpretation of information specific to our subject. Review was conducted to determine the patient's use of the Internet for health information and how this could influence the professional connection between patient and health professionals.
Explain who would find the source given to you most useful and why?
Why did you choose this source?
Has been cited 947 times on google scholar, the information is accurate, current, has clear objectives, and the topic has been adequately addressed.
What is the general issue that the source discusses?
Patient education through the internet
What sources have the authors referred to in order to support their research?
What new information / interpretation does the source present to extend understanding of the subject area?
Presents a shift in the role of the patient from traditional passive recipient to active consumer of health information and response of Health professionals to the emerging ‘Internet informed’ patients.
Does the source collect and present new data? Or does it synthesize existing information based on an existing body of knowledge?
Synthesizes multiple empirical studies on a single subject based on existing body of knowledge.
What are the conclusions, and are you convinced by them?
Concludes that understanding of medical condition can improve patients’ self-efficacy and possibly empower them to make health decisions. I am convinced with the above conclusion. In addition, Health professionals respond to the more ‘Internet informed’ patient in one or more of three ways:
What gaps exist in the knowledge of the topic?
What questions could be researched to extend the field of knowledge about the topic and what information would need to be collected to conduct this research?
What is the possibility that most health information searches are done by health professionals or medical students rather than patients?
Feedback from internet users who search for health information if they are health professionals, students or patients.
How feasible would it be to carry out this research?
It is highly feasible. Similar studies have been conducted. One has to get the sources which are available then carry a similar research.
Discover additional insights on Fundamentals of Evidence Based Practices by navigating to our other resources hub.
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