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The internet has changed people’s relationships with information. Data consistently shows that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals continue to be the first choice for most people with health concerns, but online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.
As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.
“I know, and I want to share my knowledge” is the leading edge of health care.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
- Social network sites are popular, but used only sparingly for health updates and queries.
- One in four adult internet users track their own health data online.
- More people report being helped, rather than harmed, by online health information.
- People caring for loved ones are more likely than other adults to use social network sites to gather and share health information and support.
- Relatively few use hospital ranking and doctor review sites.
- One in four adult internet users have consulted online reviews of drugs or treatments.
These are some of the findings from the Pew Internet & American Life Research Project Read the full report
