Patients and the Internet: A demographic study of a cohort of orthopaedic out-patients

The Internet is a rich source of medical information but relatively few studies have evaluated its use by patients who seek medical information. The purpose of this study is to assess the demographics of Internet access and attitudes towards the Internet in a cohort of orthopaedic out-patients. Four...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The surgeon (Edinburgh) 2004-04, Vol.2 (2), p.103-106
Main Authors: Jariwala, A.C., Kandasamy, M.S., Abboud, R.J., Wigderowitz, C.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access to Information
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Attitude to Computers
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Cohort Studies
Female
General aspects
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
information technology
Internet
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Orthopedics
Outpatients - psychology
Patient Education as Topic
Patients
Remote Consultation
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Summary:The Internet is a rich source of medical information but relatively few studies have evaluated its use by patients who seek medical information. The purpose of this study is to assess the demographics of Internet access and attitudes towards the Internet in a cohort of orthopaedic out-patients. Four hundred and three patients attending the orthopaedic outpatient fracture clinic completed a questionnaire consisting of six divisions including personal information, facility to access the Internet and their attitudes towards the information retrieved. Fifty per cent of the patients accessed the Internet, either from home or office and the maximum usage being in the younger age group. Twenty-nine per cent of the patients were aware of the medical information available through the Internet. 19% patients would like to have a consultation through the Internet, the maximum being in the middle-aged group. 70% of those patients who accessed the medical information reported that the Internet information was different than that obtained at consultation with the doctor at the out-patient clinic. This study reveals that the Internet use by patients is still limited. If an increased percentage of medical conditions is to be addressed through the Internet, involving patient information, on-line consultations, prescriptions and referrals, then a substantial amount of patient education and training is required
ISSN:1479-666X
2405-5840
DOI:10.1016/S1479-666X(04)80053-2