Brief report: What types of Internet guidance do patients want from their physicians?
OBJECTIVE
To understand what patients expect from physicians regarding information seeking on the Internet.


METHODS
Self-administered survey.


METHODS
Waiting rooms of 4 community-based primary care offices.


RESULTS
Of 494 patients invited to participate, 330 completed the survey for a response rate of 67%. Of 177 respondents who used the Internet for health information, only 15% agreed that physicians should ask them about their Internet searches. Most (62%) agreed that physicians should recommend specific web sites where patients can learn more about their health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care physicians should recognize that many patients would like guidance as they turn to the Internet for medical information. Physicians can utilize quality assessment tools and existing resources that facilitate referring patients to authoritative, commercial-free, patient-oriented medical information on the Internet.
Diaz
Joseph A
JA
Brown University Center for Primary Care and Prevention/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, RI 02806, USA. Joseph_Diaz@brown.edu
Sciamanna
Christophern N
CN
Evangelou
Evangelos
E
Stamp
Michael J
MJ
Ferguson
Tom
T
D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations