Differences of Search Engine Digital Footprints Between Podiatrists and Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Need to Join the Digital Era.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Search engines generate lists of the most relevant websites using a keyword or phrase query and are integral in guiding consumer preferences. Digital information is important in the field of medicine, influencing what patients learn about their conditions and who they choose as providers. When two types of healthcare providers, such as podiatry and foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons (FAOSs), share an overlapping consumer market, whichever group has a larger digital footprint receives increased digital engagement.

Methods

The Google search engine was used to query nine common foot and ankle-associated terms using a "search term + zip code" format for 150 zip codes divided into urban, suburban, and rural population densities. The first 10 results of each search wer

SUBMITTER: Chiang BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10158488 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature