Health Informatics Information Technology and Consumer Perspective on Health Care Professionals' Responses to Health Information Exchange

Background: The Internet is increasingly becoming a medium in which people receive information about variety of health and medical issues. Seeking information online about health emerges as a personal responsibility of regaining or maintaining health and plays an important role in defining users as consumers of health information. Objective: The purpose of this presentation is to provide preliminary information on the extent to which use of online health web sites impacts doctor-patient health care interactions. Methods: Data (n = 710) come from national sampling of online health and medical information users who participated in the Study of Health and Medical Information in Cyberspace- Survey of User Perceptions. ANOVA and t-test were performed to examine potential differences based on age, gender, race and education. Results: Nearly half of the sample indicated that they discuss the information they obtained from the Internet with their health care provider. One-third of the respondents reported receiving more attention to their questions and over thirty percent reported more information to their satisfaction. Sixteen percent also indicated receiving more respect from health providers as a result of gathering information on the Internet. However, nine percent reported that their interactions with health providers have become strained as a result of bringing information from the Internet to their appointments. Interestingly, older respondents reported significantly less perceived strain than younger adults (M= 2.83 vs. M=2.40, p= .005). No other significant differences exist. Discussion: Results suggest that Internet use is mostly perceived to be promoting better doctor-patient interaction than straining it. However, research that directly observes how patient-professional health interactions are influenced by Internet-based information is needed.