BACKGROUND: The online information seeking of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, their reasons for doing so, and its importance for physician-patient communication have not been described. METHODS: Patients (n = 61) presenting for the first time at an MS clinic from December 2003 to July 2005 were interviewed pre- and postappointment and administered standard measures of pain and health quality of life. Consultations were audio recorded. Quantitative data were analyzed in light of qualitative data. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of patients reported gathering medical information online before their first appointment; 36% discussed this information with their physician. Qualitative reasons for Internet information seeking and for not communicating it show some signs of wariness of health care potentially leading to nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Most MS patients are informed by online information, but are unlikely to discuss that research with physicians for reasons that may have implications for patient adherence.
BACKGROUND: The online information seeking of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, their reasons for doing so, and its importance for physician-patient communication have not been described. METHODS:Patients (n = 61) presenting for the first time at an MS clinic from December 2003 to July 2005 were interviewed pre- and postappointment and administered standard measures of pain and health quality of life. Consultations were audio recorded. Quantitative data were analyzed in light of qualitative data. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of patients reported gathering medical information online before their first appointment; 36% discussed this information with their physician. Qualitative reasons for Internet information seeking and for not communicating it show some signs of wariness of health care potentially leading to nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Most MSpatients are informed by online information, but are unlikely to discuss that research with physicians for reasons that may have implications for patient adherence.
Authors: Anneliese J Synnot; Sophie J Hill; Kerryn A Garner; Michael P Summers; Graziella Filippini; Richard H Osborne; Sue D P Shapland; Cinzia Colombo; Paola Mosconi Journal: Health Expect Date: 2014-08-28 Impact factor: 3.377