Tom Rider1, Muzaffar Malik2, Timothy Chevassut3. 1. Department of Hematology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, Brighton, UK. 2. Institute of Postgraduate Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Mayfield House, University of Brighton, Falmer, UK. 3. Research Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK. Electronic address: t.chevassut@bsms.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Patients access on-line health information (OHI) to better understand their health. We aimed to determine which demographic factors influence OHI use. We also explored how OHI is used and subsequent implications to the patient-doctor relationship. METHODS: We distributed a self-administered questionnaire to 202 haematology out-patients. RESULTS: 62.3% used the internet and 54.3% used OHI. Higher education, (P<0.001, OR 34.62, 95% CI 5.20-230.66) and household incomes of £15000-25000 (P=0.023 OR 4.8 95% CI 1.236-18.59) were positively associated with OHI use. Those reassured after reading OHI had improved trust in their specialist (P<0.001, OR 52.1, 95% CI 12.3-221.1), improved confidence during consultations, (P<0.001, OR 23.0, 95% CI 2.8-188.2) and were improved decisions makers (P=0.008, OR 13.6, 95% CI 4.1-45.7). Those with increased trust in their haematologist also had improved confidence (P<0.001, OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.2-17.3) and improved decision making ability (P<0.001, OR 13.6, 95% CI 4.7-39.4). 74.6% of patients did not share OHI with their haematologist. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of participants were exposed directly or indirectly to OHI. OHI affects patients' view of their health and influences behaviour during consultations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Haematologists could facilitate patients using OHI by recommending high quality websites and act supportively when patients share OHI.
OBJECTIVE:Patients access on-line health information (OHI) to better understand their health. We aimed to determine which demographic factors influence OHI use. We also explored how OHI is used and subsequent implications to the patient-doctor relationship. METHODS: We distributed a self-administered questionnaire to 202 haematology out-patients. RESULTS: 62.3% used the internet and 54.3% used OHI. Higher education, (P<0.001, OR 34.62, 95% CI 5.20-230.66) and household incomes of £15000-25000 (P=0.023 OR 4.8 95% CI 1.236-18.59) were positively associated with OHI use. Those reassured after reading OHI had improved trust in their specialist (P<0.001, OR 52.1, 95% CI 12.3-221.1), improved confidence during consultations, (P<0.001, OR 23.0, 95% CI 2.8-188.2) and were improved decisions makers (P=0.008, OR 13.6, 95% CI 4.1-45.7). Those with increased trust in their haematologist also had improved confidence (P<0.001, OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.2-17.3) and improved decision making ability (P<0.001, OR 13.6, 95% CI 4.7-39.4). 74.6% of patients did not share OHI with their haematologist. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of participants were exposed directly or indirectly to OHI. OHI affects patients' view of their health and influences behaviour during consultations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Haematologists could facilitate patients using OHI by recommending high quality websites and act supportively when patients share OHI.
Authors: Jamie Bryant; Rochelle Smits; Heidi Turon; Rob Sanson-Fisher; Jennifer Engel Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-03-09 Impact factor: 3.603