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Published on: September 13, 2022
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Analysis of Internet-Based Search Patterns Utilized by Glioma Patients as Information Source
Chloe Ah-Ryung Lim1, Paris-Ann Ingledew2,3, Fan Yang4
1MD Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. chloe.ah.lim@gmail.com.
Summary
Glioma patients frequently use the Internet for health information, primarily searching prognosis online. While helpful, they often discuss reliability concerns with physicians.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Health Informatics
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Glioma patients increasingly seek health information online.
- Understanding patient internet usage is crucial for informed decision-making and clinical interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate internet usage patterns among glioma patients.
- To characterize the impact of online information on patient decision-making and physician interactions.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 32 glioma patients at a tertiary cancer center.
- Quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics (SPSS).
- Qualitative analysis using grounded theory.
Main Results:
- 81% of patients were 'Internet users' seeking glioma information, with Google as the primary search engine.
- Prognosis was the most searched topic (73%).
- Most patients found online information understandable but had concerns about reliability, discussing findings with physicians.
Conclusions:
- Glioma patients utilize the internet as a significant information resource.
- Online information has a variable impact on patient interactions and decision-making.
- Physicians, educators, and developers should leverage this understanding to better support patients.
