How will Internet Use Affect the Patient? A Review of Computer Network and Closed Internet-based System Studies and the Implications in Understanding How the Use of the Internet Affects Patient Populations.

The widespread use of the Internet by patients is transforming the delivery of health information. Little research has been done, however, to assess the relationship between patients' use of online health resources and self efficacy, behavior or health status. To understand these effects and create a national research agenda, professionals should establish theoretically based studies. This article provides an overview of studies using computer networks and Internet-based closed systems in which a specific population has access to online health tools similar to those available on the Internet. These studies provide a microcosm of the effects Internet use may have on a patient's health-related behaviors. Three areas of proposed research will be explored: content research; process research; and outcomes research.