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Do Internet interventions for consumers cause more harm than good? A systematic review.
Tracey L Bessell1, Steve McDonald, Chris A Silagy
1Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia. tracey.bessell@med.monash.edu.au
Summary
Consumers widely use the internet for health information, but evidence of its impact on health outcomes remains scarce. This review found limited proof that online health information significantly affects consumer health decisions or results.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Consumer Health Information
- Systematic Review
Background:
- The internet is a prevalent source for consumers seeking health information.
- Understanding the impact of online health information on consumer behavior and outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of consumer use of online health information.
- To assess impacts on decision-making, attitudes, knowledge, satisfaction, health outcomes, and utilization.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple electronic databases for comparative studies published post-1995.
- Included studies comparing internet users with non-users and various communication mediums.
- Assessed outcomes related to consumer decision-making, attitudes, knowledge, satisfaction, health status, and utilization.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 comparative studies evaluating internet-based health interventions (e.g., smoking cessation, nutrition, weight loss).
- All studies indicated some positive effects on health outcomes.
- Noted that the methodological quality of many included studies was poor.
Conclusions:
- Despite extensive consumer use of the internet for health information, robust evidence of its impact on health outcomes is lacking.
- Further high-quality research is needed to establish the definitive effects of online health information on consumers.