Patients using the Internet to obtain health information: how this affects the patient-health professional relationship.
OBJECTIVE
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 the patient and how this could affect the patient-health professional relationship.


METHODS
This study is a literature review, summarizing multiple empirical studies on a single subject and is not intended to be a meta-analysis.


RESULTS
The review showed that the majority of health related Internet searches by patients are for specific medical conditions. They are carried out by the patient: (1) before the clinical encounter to seek information to manage their own healthcare independently and/or to decide whether they need professional help; (2) after the clinical encounter for reassurance or because of dissatisfaction with the amount of detailed information provided by the health professional during the encounter.


CONCLUSIONS
There has been a shift in the role of the patient from passive recipient to active consumer of health information. Health professionals are responding to the more 'Internet informed' patient in one or more of three ways: (1) the health professional feels threatened by the information the patient brings and responds defensively by asserting their 'expert opinion' (health professional-centred relationship). (2) The health professional and patient collaborate in obtaining and analysing the information (patient-centred relationship). (3) The health professional will guide patients to reliable health information websites (Internet prescription).


CONCLUSIONS
It is important that health professionals acknowledge patients' search for knowledge, that they discuss the information offered by patients and guide them to reliable and accurate health websites. It is recommended that courses, such as 'patient informatics' are integrated in health professionals' education.
McMullan
Miriam
M
University of Plymouth, Faculty of Health and Social Work, School of Health Professions, Peninsula Allied Health Centre, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 9BH, UK. mmcmullan@plymouth.ac.uk
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003142:Communication; D034742:Electronic Mail; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012107:Research Design; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires