Use of internet medical websites and NHS direct by neurology outpatients before consultation.

With increasing personal access to the internet, and the mass of medical information available in cyberspace, many patients may access information before an outpatient consultation. Since this information may shape individual health beliefs and expectations, yet is acknowledged to be of very variable quality, it may be important for practitioners to know about their patients' self-directed findings. Medical information may also be gained from the NHS Direct telephone helpline. This study measured the frequency of use of the internet and of NHS Direct by questioning consecutive new referrals attending general neurology outpatient clinics over a three-month period. A comparison was made between patients' searches and their final diagnosis. Patients' views on the use of the information received were sought.