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Is the information available on the Web influencing the way parents see ENT surgical procedures?
João Flávio Nogueira Júnior1, Diego Rodrigo Hermann, Maria Laura Solferini Silva
1Department and ENT and Speech and Hearing Therapy, Center of São Paulo, Hospital Professor Edmundo Vasconcelos, Brazil.
Insights
Most parents researching pediatric ENT surgery online used web information to decide on treatment. Few discussed findings with their child
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Health Informatics
- Patient Decision Making
Background:
- The internet is a primary source for health information.
- Parents increasingly seek online data for pediatric medical conditions.
- Online health information influences parental decisions regarding medical treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of online health information searches by parents of children undergoing ENT surgery.
- Assess the impact of this information on parental decisions for pediatric ENT procedures.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 132 parents/guardians.
- Participants were from a private hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- The study focused on parents of children undergoing ENT surgery.
Main Results:
- 90% of parents (117/132) searched the internet for information on their child's ENT condition and surgery.
- Only 10% of parents (12/132) discussed this information with the operating surgeon.
- 78% of parents (91/132) reported that online information influenced their decision regarding the surgery.
Conclusions:
- The majority of parents utilize online resources for pediatric ENT surgery information.
- Internet-sourced information significantly impacts parental decisions on surgical treatment for children.
- Enhanced communication between parents and surgeons regarding online information is needed.
Introduction And Aims:
the Internet is the world's fastest growing source of health related information. Parents and guardians are increasingly turning to the Internet for information about their children's medical conditions and treatments. This paper has the following objectives 1) determine the prevalence of web searches for medical information performed by parents/guardians of children undergoing ENT surgery in a private hospital of Sao Paulo, Brazil. 2) assess whether the gathered information influenced the parents/guardians' decision on the treatment/surgery.
Method:
questionnaire voluntarily responded by 132 parents/guardians of children submitted to ENT surgery in a private hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Conclusions:
117 parents/guardians (90%) used the Internet to search for information on the disease and surgical treatment of the children. Only 12 parents/guardians (10%) discussed the information with the physician assigned to perform the surgical procedure. 91 parents/guardians (78%) said that the information had impact upon the decision to have surgery performed on their children.
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