Reliance On Web Information

Online medical information is becoming more readily available for patients. With just a few keystrokes, one can touch base with other patients experiencing the same illness, get the latest research findings, or search symptoms to get an idea of what illness they might have. In a 2011 Pew study, health information searches ranked as the third highest web use in the United States, with 80% of internet users having sought online health information.

Searches for general health research included:

• 29% Food Safety / Recalls
• 24% Drug Safety / Recalls
• 19% Pregnancy / Childbirth

Searches for symptom-specific health research included:

• 66% Specific Disease / Issue
• 56% Medical Treatment / Procedures
• 44% Doctors / Health Professionals

This accessibility of health information might also come at a cost, though, as reliable information isn't always easy to find. Rumors, misinformation, and potentially dangerous advice abounds in the online environment. This can lead to patients suffering from cyberchondria, a fear that manifests through online searches and believing their symptoms translate into a serious disease.

What can patients do, aside from ignoring all online medical information and simply going to their doctor? The most accurate information can often be found on government or news websites. Reliance on the findings there will be a good start for patients seeking to become better informed. And patients should be wary of sites that are out-dated as well. If the research is more than five years old, it's likely not as reliable as current findings, so patients should avoid basing their medical decisions solely on them. And most importantly, patients should go see their doctor for all their medical concerns. Health information online is meant to be an extension of becoming educated about personal health, not a final diagnosis.