Related Experiment Videos
Internet use by patients in orthopaedic surgery.
Jeffrey Krempec1, Janette Hall, J Sybil Biermann
1University of Michigan Medical School, USA.
The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal
|October 25, 2003
Summary
Nearly half of orthopaedic patients use the Internet for health information, a rate higher than in 1998. Most find online medical data useful and accurate, often consulting physicians for clarification.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Health Informatics
- Patient Education
Background:
- Growing societal reliance on the Internet for health information.
- Previous studies showing lower Internet utilization in orthopaedic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current Internet use for orthopaedic health information among patients.
- To compare current utilization with historical data.
- To understand patient search strategies and information assessment.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 201 patients in a private general orthopaedic practice.
- Data collection on personal or surrogate Internet use for health information.
- Analysis of search strategies, perceived usefulness, and accuracy of online information.
Main Results:
- 45% of patients used the Internet for orthopaedic condition information.
- Internet utilization is significantly higher than in 1998.
- Users found online medical information generally useful and accurate.
- Physicians were the primary resource for reconciling conflicting information.
- Most participants would recommend the Internet for medical information.
Conclusions:
- Orthopaedic patient Internet use for health information has significantly increased.
- Patients perceive online medical information as valuable, but seek physician confirmation.
- Orthopaedic surgeons should leverage patient education resources online.