Investigating Internet Use and Patient Engagement: The Moderating Role of Patient-Centered Communication on...

PurposeThis study explores how internet use can undermine patient engagement through information overload and health anxiety, and how patient-centered communication (PCC) may buffer or reshape these effects.DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used.SettingThe study conducted online survey through Qualtrics.SampleA random sample of U.S. adults aged 18 or older completed online survey for $2.30 compensation. After excluding ineligible responses, the final sample was included for the analysis (N = 356).MeasuresKey variables included internet use, information overload, health anxiety, patient engagement, and PCC, demonstrating high reliability.AnalysisSimple mediation analysis and moderated mediation analysis were conducted.ResultsSimple mediation analysis showed that internet use was positively associated with information overload which increased health anxiety (indirect effect = 0.013, 95% CI [0.002, 0.027]). The indirect effect of internet use on engagement was significant at low (-1 SD; PCC = 2.798; b = -0.005, 95% CI [-0.011, -0.002]), and medium levels of PCC (mean; PCC = 3.731; b = -0.003, 95% CI [-0.007, -0.001]), but not at high levels.ConclusionThis study suggests that healthcare providers should take continuing PCC education to overcome generic barriers that patients encounter both online and in clinical settings, thereby improving health outcomes.