Health related Internet use by patients

A recent study by Dutch researchers has found that, although about half of patients use the internet for health-related reasons, this is mostly restricted to seeking information about their condition and use of online patient support groups isn't common. ¹

The aim of the study was to explore the percentage of Dutch patients using the Internet to search for information about their illness. In addition, the researchers studied patients' usage of health-related Internet applications, such as online patient support groups, and explored which demographic, health and psychological characteristics were related to patients' health-related Internet use.

For the study, a written questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of around 1,000 patients with breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia Syndrome. The overall total response rate was 69% (N = 679).

In total, 52% of the patients used the Internet to search for information about their illness. However, only 15% of the respondents had ever read posts from an online patient support group. An even smaller proportion of the patients (4%) had themselves posted messages to such a group. Online communication with health professionals was not commonly practiced. ¹

A younger age, a higher education and employment appeared to be the only significant predictors of patients' health-related Internet use. Patients' health-related Internet use could not be predicted by health and psychological characteristics. ¹

The article concluded that:

"Although, about half of the patients made use of the Internet for health-related reasons, mostly their health-related Internet use was restricted to seeking information about their illness." ¹

According to another study by Dutch researchers, that was published last year, if you go to an online support group but "lurk" rather than participating, it may be preventing you from getting the most benefit out of the group. However, just reading posts ("lurking") is sufficient to profit from participation in an online patient support group. ²

References:

1. van Uden-Kraan CF, Drossaert CH, Taal E, Smit WM, Moens HB, Siesling S, Seydel ER, van de Laar MA. Health-related Internet use by patients with somatic diseases: Frequency of use and characteristics of users. Inform Health Soc Care. 2009 Jan;34(1):18-29.
2. van Uden-Kraan CF, Drossaert CH, Taal E, Seydel ER, van de Laar MA. Self-reported differences in empowerment between lurkers and posters in online patient support groups. J Med Internet Res. 2008 Jun 30;10(2):e18.