Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The internet is widely consulted for health-related information (HRI). Online health information (OHI) seeking behaviors have never been investigated in the field of endocrinology.

Objective: We examined the frequency, how and why the internet is utilized for HRI, the impact of such activity and the future information needs of our patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was performed with more quantitative data. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Patients attending a general endocrinology clinic were recruited from two clinical sites. A questionnaire survey was designed to answer our research questions.

Results: 312 patients were included; the response rate was 78.4%. OHI seeking was reported by 175 patients (78.1% among those that sought any form of HRI). OHI seekers perceived OHI to be of high quality (135, 77.1%) and demonstrated a good understanding of what constitutes trustworthy information. Notwithstanding, 71 (40.6%) relied on the top search engine options as their main criterion for choosing a website and 104 (59.4%) were unaware of website certification tools. OHI seekers sought general information (90, 51.4%). Among OHI seekers, 63 (36.6%) reported that their behavior changed after seeking OHI e.g. by improved self-care or compliance. Only 45 (25.7%) of OHI seekers discussed the information they gathered with their endocrinologist. 194 (62.2%) of the 312 patients expressed a will to use interactive e-learning modules if available, especially existing OHI seekers (P<0.0001) and those expressing a wish for more HRI (P=0.024).

Conclusions: OHI seeking is practiced by the majority of endocrine patients before their appointments. Patients have a good awareness of what makes a website trustworthy, but more education and guidance is needed. Many patients are keen to utilize e-learning modules, even those patients that are not current OHI seekers. The concerns regarding an adverse impact on the doctor-patient relationship by OHI seeking seem to be unfounded.