Internet use in rheumatology outpatients in 2006: gender less important

Exploring patients' Internet use, their online needs and requirements, expectations and attitudes towards the Internet is mandatory to effectively provide interactive online applications and information.

Within a prospective study, 153 consecutive outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or spondyloarthritis answered a paper-based questionnaire investigating their Internet use, interests, pattern and degree of utilization. Sociodemographic and functional disability data were collected. The data were compared with our survey of 2001 and to the normal German population.

Patients were predominantly female (69.3%; n.s.). Mean age was 45.7+/-14.4 years (n.s.). 68.6% (+18.6%, p=0.0027) reported regular Internet use for 5.0+/-2.6 yrs. Internet use in 2006 is still age- and education-dependent (p<0.001, p=0.003). Differences by gender observed in 2001 no longer existed as women increased their Internet use from 2.9 to 6.1 hours/week (p=0.001, p=0.0006). Searching for health-related information remained an important topic. Interest in e-communication and interactive applications strongly increased. Independently of gender and functional disability, patients' future online interests focussed on information on diseases, medications, health care providers and patient education. Confidence in the Internet and reliability of information were rated unchanged since 2001.

Gender no longer has significant impact on Internet use. The great potentials of Internet services-well accepted by patients and contributing substantially to more effective and improved disease (self-) management strategies-should encourage rheumatologists to provide interactive applications and high-quality information on Internet platforms and in routine patient care. Continuous research to explore the effects of Internet-delivered information on patients' attitudes,expectations, behaviour and outcome is required.