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Infonomics and breast reconstruction: are patients using the internet?
Albert Losken1, Renee Burke, L Franklyn Elliott
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. Albert_Losken@emoryhealthcare.org
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|February 24, 2005
Summary
Most breast reconstruction patients use the internet for information, finding it helpful and influential in their decisions. Plastic surgeons should guide patients to reliable online breast reconstruction resources.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- The World Wide Web offers vast medical information, aiding public understanding of complex procedures like breast reconstruction.
- Patient education is increasingly influenced by online resources, necessitating an evaluation of their role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess internet access and usage among breast reconstruction patients.
- To evaluate the impact of internet-based information on patient education and decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 106 consecutive breast reconstruction patients over 7 months.
- The anonymous survey collected data on demographics, internet access, usage patterns, and influence on decisions.
Main Results:
- 92% of patients had internet access, with 68% using it for breast reconstruction information.
- Patients searched for procedure details, risks, outcomes, surgeons, and visual references.
- The information was found helpful (72%), understandable (69%), and trustworthy (63%), influencing decisions on procedure, surgeon, and hospital choice.
Conclusions:
- Breast reconstruction patients actively utilize the internet as a research tool, significantly impacting their choices.
- Plastic surgeons need to engage with the "infonomics" field, guiding patients to accurate online information and improving digital accessibility.