Qualitative study: patients' enduring concerns about discussing internet use in general practice consultations

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Health Informatics
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• The internet provides accessible health information for patients.
• Understanding patient online health information seeking behaviors is crucial for effective primary care consultations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patients' experiences and perceptions of using the internet for health information before consulting a general practitioner (GP).

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews with 28 adult primary care patients.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Patients perceive online health information as reliable and beneficial for themselves and their GP.
• Patients express uncertainty and reluctance in sharing their internet findings with GPs, fearing disrespect or disruption.

Conclusions:

• Despite increased internet access, patients view discussing online health information as sensitive.
• General practitioners (GPs) should proactively and non-judgmentally invite patients to share their online health research findings.