<$BlogRSDUrl$> Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Internet Happenings, Events and Sources


Wednesday, December 17, 2003  

Quality Of Online Health Information Imperative To Physicians, Patients
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The increasing number of people using the Internet for health information will have a "profound effect on medicine," according to a new report, "The Impact of Health Information on the Internet on Health Care and the Physician-Patient Relationship." The report, which appeared in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, noted that it is unclear whether the effect will be beneficial or harmful, however. "The advantages of the Internet as a source of health information include convenient access to a massive volume of information, ease of updating information, and the potential for interactive formats that promote understanding and retention of information," the report said. "Health information on the Internet may make patients better informed, leading to better outcomes, more appropriate use of health service resources, and a stronger patient relationship."

However, the report said, health information on the Internet may be misleading or misinterpreted, compromising health behaviors and health outcomes, or resulting in inappropriate requests, either because "refusal is time consuming, or because they fear refusal would weaken the physician-patient relationship."

posted by Marcus Zillman | 1:35 PM
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