Patient-Provider Discussions About Online Health Information in the Health Information National Trends Survey

Online health information-seeking is common and can impact patient-provider interactions. Using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2024 (n = 20,292), this study assessed trends in the percentage of Americans who reported discussing online health information with health care providers in the past year. Next, 2024 HINTS data (n = 6,350) assessed perceptions of provider openness, provider respectfulness, and impact on patient-provider interactions among those who discussed online health information with a provider. Multivariable logistic regressions tested associations of demographic, internet, health, and healthcare-related factors with occurrence and perceptions of online health information discussions. Online health information discussions increased from 2005 (25.87%) to 2024 (36.40%). In 2024, most respondents who discussed online health information with a provider perceived those discussions positively, but approximately 14% did not perceive their provider as open or respectful, and 9% reported that discussing online information made their interactions with providers worse. Odds of discussing online information were greater among those reporting high internet search skills (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.24) or perceived past medical discrimination (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.25-2.43), but lower among adults aged 65+ (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49-0.84). Odds of perceiving provider openness were higher among those reporting high internet search skills (aOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.09-4.97), high patient-centeredness (aOR = 6.69, 95% CI = 4.57-9.80), or excellent quality of care (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.04-2.69) in the past year. Ensuring that patients feel comfortable bringing internet research to providers and that providers respond with openness and respect may strengthen patient-provider relationships and encourage patient engagement, especially among patients with limited internet search skills.