June
2007
Internet & Medical Information
The internet is used to search for medical information and advice by over 50% of American internet users. This has changed the way patients interact with their doctors, and it can be both positive and negative.
Older media like TV and newspapers make people recipients of medical information. However, the internet has made people active users involved in their own medical care. So internet users tend to ask more questions and demand more from their doctors.
Internet is used for medical information for 4 main reasons according to The Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 77 (suppl): 1016S-8S. 1) Lack of information during an office visit. 2) Lack of faith in their doctor’s abilities so the internet is like a 2nd opinion. 3) Avoid embarrassment on sensitive topics with their doctor 4) Research for a friend or family member.
There is a lot of misinformation about medical subjects on the internet. More so, there is a lot of misinterpretation by laypersons who seek the internet for medical information. The saying, “He knows just enough to be dangerous” can apply because medicine is a very complex field – and believing you know everything when you don’t have the whole picture can be bad.
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drjohnhong 
patients, office visits 
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