Internet medical usage in Japan: current situation and issues

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Communication
• Internet-based Health Information

Background:

• Widespread internet use by physicians (50%) and patients (22%) for medical information in Japan.
• Unrestricted online advertising of medical treatments has increased dramatically.
• Potential for both benefits (improved quality of life) and risks (misinformation) from online health content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for a reliable system for evaluating and disseminating online medical information.
• To propose a framework for safe and effective internet medical usage in Japan.
• To establish a system that fosters societal dialogue and accumulates high-quality medical information.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of the Japan Internet Medical Association (JIMA) in 1998 by diverse stakeholders.
• Proposal of a system combining user feedback on ethical code implementation with website identity verification.
• Involvement of medical experts, patient groups, and families in objective information evaluation.

Main Results:

• The Japan Internet Medical Association (JIMA) was founded to create a framework for internet medical usage.
• A system is proposed that integrates user evaluations with verified website identities.
• Emphasis on objective evaluation to empower users in making informed health choices.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative approach involving users, information providers, medical experts, and patient groups is crucial.
• Establishing ethical codes of conduct for commercial entities is more effective than governmental regulation alone.
• Promoting the development of medical care through shared resources and collaborative efforts between patients and physicians.