The effect of Dr Google on doctor-patient encounters in primary care: a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Two-thirds of all patients search the internet prior to a health consultation.

Aim

To explore how searching for online health information before visiting a doctor influences patients' behaviour during the consultation.

Design & setting

A quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study of 18-75-year-old patients who used the internet.

Method

Patients were recruited by social media for the quantitative study. This was followed by a qualitiative study of GPs who were questioned in focus groups. Two questions were addressed: What is the effect of searching online health information on the behaviour of the patients? How does the GP handle this information?

Results

Almost half of all responders (total n = 963) usually went to the docto

SUBMITTER: Van Riel N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6169945 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature