Online selection of a physician by patients: the impression formation perspective.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the rapid development of online health communities (OHCs), an increasing number of physicians provide services in OHCs that enable patients to consult online in China. However, it is difficult for patients to figure out the professional level of doctors before consultation and diagnosis because of information asymmetry. A wealth of information about physicians is displayed in their profiles as a new way to help patients evaluate and select quickly and accurately.

Objective

This research explores how the profile information (PI) presented in OHCs influences patients' impression formation, especially the perception of professional capital (i.e., status capital and decisional capital). The impression influences their intention to consult further, which is partia

SUBMITTER: Huang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9309235 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature