The frequency with which patients use the Internet may indicate their desired level of engagement in healthcare decision-making, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Researchers surveyed patients on their use of the Internet and the amount of healthcare information and decision-making autonomy they desired. Overall, more frequent Internet use was tied to a greater desire for information and decision-making power. However, preferences among frequent Internet users differed for specific types of information.
For example, frequent Internet users preferred more information about a diagnosis but less decision-making autonomy than infrequent Internet users. In contrast, frequent Internet users desired less information but more decision-making power for the psychosocial and healthcare provider aspects of care, according to the study.
The authors concluded that understanding patients' preferences and use of the Internet can guide healthcare providers' efforts to engage patients in their care.
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