The root of concern about information retrieved from medical information websites is not so much the actual data but more about what a patient does with the information once they get it.

A variety of symptoms plague you. There is no time in your day to make a doctor’s appointment or your primary care physician has no appointment availability until next week. What now?

Many people turn to the Internet to do a little research and try to self-diagnose their problems. Enter WebMD, FamilyDoctor.org, intelihealth.com, healthfinder.gov and countless more sites.

The arrival of information technology in virtually every home in the U.S. has clearly changed the traditional doctor-patient relationship. In the past, patients went to the doctor’s office with a list of symptoms, were examined by the doctor and then discussed their treatment options.

Today, most patients arrive in the doctor’s office armed with information collected from a variety of medical websites. They have already formulated a list of potential diagnoses and treatments.

The Audience

According to a recent survey, 80 percent of respondents regularly use the Internet to collect medical information. Surprisingly, over half of those people felt that the information was the same as or better than that which they learned from their physician.

The most popular topics in the Internet searches done by the general public include information about:

• Diet and nutrition
• Side effects of medications
• Potential complications of medical treatments
• Alternative medicine options
• Second opinions about medical conditions

More than half of the information seekers choose not to discuss the information they collect online with their physician, while others use it to engage in an educated conversation.

True or False?

One opinion is that a patient who collects data on the Internet and self-diagnoses their symptoms is putting himself or herself at risk. A prime example of this danger is when a person decides that their chest pain symptoms are caused by acid reflux or an esophageal spasm when, in fact, they are having a cardiac event or heart attack.

The reverse opinion is that Internet information prepares a patient to have a well-informed knowledge base from which to have an intelligent and productive conversation with their physician.

Check the Reliability

The Consumer and Patient Health Information Section (CAPHIS) of the Medical Library Association (MLA) is a reliable source, which evaluates medical websites based on several factors. It is prudent to use a medical website that is CAPHIS endorsed for the best information. The website is: http://caphis.mlanet.org.

The Full Effect of Online Research

There are benefits and detriments to the onslaught of medical information websites.

Pros

• Patients are better informed to make a medical treatment decision
• There is a more informed interaction/discussion between patients and doctors
• Patients ask more detailed questions about their diagnosis and treatment options
• Positive reinforcement of the information delivered by the doctor
• Physicians become partners in healthcare

Cons

• The availability of information on the Internet discourages patients from seeking professional advice because they feel adequately informed
• A breakdown of the traditional doctor-patient relationship
• Doctors are no longer seen as the traditional medical expert

The root of concern about information retrieved from medical information websites is not so much the actual data but more about what a patient does with the information once they get it.

It is wise to be informed and educated about a concerning medical condition or symptom. It is wiser to use the information to have a frank discussion with a board-certified physician to determine the best and safest plan of care.

Use the information wisely.