title: Is the Internet changing the relationship between consumers and practitioners?
abstract: Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about their medical ailments and conditions, and they want to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This development can be attributed to the increased use of the Internet. How can practitioners work with this newly found consumer empowerment and knowledge? By accepting that consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and that they want to be involved in the decision-making process. In addition, practitioners require an attitudinal shift. Whereas they previously were in total control of healthcare decisions, now they must share control and decision-making responsibility with consumers. If practitioners work together with consumers, this new relationship may become a win-win situation.
authors.affiliation: pford@ricochet.net
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ford
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D020407:Internet; D010358:Patient Participation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014481:United States