Internet use amongst New Zealand general practitioners

To assess how extensively New Zealand doctors are using medical information on the Internet, and to examine how the new technology is affecting their practice of medicine.

All general practitioners (GPs) known to be working in Otago and Southland were asked to complete a postal questionnaire regarding their use of the Internet and their impressions of patient use of online medical resources.

Of 259 questionnaires mailed out, 168 (65%) were returned by GPs currently in practice. Of those, 114 (68%) said they used the Internet at least monthly. A total of 71% of GPs had patients who indicated they had sought medical information from the Internet. Nearly half of respondents expressed concerns that the Internet could have unwelcome effects on the doctor-patient relationship.

Internet use among New Zealand doctors and patients is widespread, and is likely to have significant impact on medical practice now and in the future. While the potential benefits of the new technology are numerous, the Internet may become a source of conflict between doctors and patients.