Online health information seeking by adults hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes: Who looks for information, and who discusses it with healthcare providers?
Molly E Waring, David D McManus, Daniel J Amante and 2 others
PMID 30305253WHAT IT FOUND
Among hospitalized adults with acute coronary syndromes who used the Internet, 56.7% looked for health information online, but only 33.9% discussed it with a healthcare provider.
Key findings
0156.7% of online patients reported looking online for health information during the past four weeks, and 33.9% of patients who sought health information online reported talking with a healthcare provider about this health information during the past four weeks.
02Patients with greater education, or who found it difficult to get medical care when needed, were more likely to look online for health information. Patients hospitalized with a myocardial infarction, patients with impaired health numeracy, and patients with limited social networks were less likely to look online for health information.
03Patients with greater education and those who looked online for health information more often were more likely to discuss health information found online with healthcare providers.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study did not record what type of health-related information participants sought online, which websites or online sources they used, whether those sources were recommended by their healthcare team, or whether patients used the health information found online in decisions about their health behaviors or medical care. The study did not record whether patients saw a healthcare provider during the past four weeks, so the low rate of provider discussion may reflect few interactions with the medical system rather than lack of discussion during a relevant medical visit. Only participants who reported Internet use were asked about online health information seeking, so family or friends may have sought online information for patients who did not report Internet use. Data were collected in 2011 to 2013, and Internet use among middle-aged and older adults has increased since then. More than 80% of the sample was non-Hispanic white, so findings may not apply across racial and ethnic groups.
Declared interests
No conflicts of interest were declared. The article is listed as supported by non-U.S. Government.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the 33.9% discussion rate as evidence that patients are not engaging with healthcare providers. The study did not record whether patients saw a provider during the past four weeks, so low discussion may reflect few interactions with the medical system.