Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Internet as a Resource for Consumer Healthcare

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Disease Management and Health Outcomes

Abstract

With emerging access to the Internet and valuable healthcare resources online, healthcare consumers have quickly adopted the World Wide Web as a resource for healthcare information. Because growing numbers of consumers are accessing healthcare information online, it is important to explore how they are using this information in healthcare decision-making, and the eventual outcomes for their health.

All English-language articles indexed in Medline related to the use of Internet technology in healthcare education, and published in peer-reviewed journals between 1998 and 2000, were screened for review. 37 studies met the eligibility criteria. Although demographics remain uneven, with a distinct Internet access gap existing between the economically advantaged and disadvantaged, results of studies described in this paper support the effectiveness of Internet-delivered healthcare information in changing clinical outcomes. Electronic mail and telehealth applications hold promise as a new mode of communication and information transfer for patients and providers, while at the same time raising issues related to inaccurate and misleading information.

The findings of this review support Internet-delivered technologies as an effective strategy for the transfer of data and knowledge as well as support for the patient-provider interaction. From the patient’s perspective, the Internet provides information, a new mode of connection to the healthcare environment, and access to virtual support groups. Additional research is needed to assess the impact and best approaches for use of the Internet as a link to the clinical environment for communication and sharing of patient-centered clinical information.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Global Reach [online]. Available from: http://www.glreach.com/index.php3 [Accessed 2000 Aug 28]

  2. CyberDialogue [online]. Available from: URL: http://www.cyberdialogue.com/resource/press/releases/2000/08-22-cch-launch.html [Accessed 2000 Sep 5]

  3. Lewis D. Computer-based approaches to patient education. J Am Med Inform Assoc 1999 6: 272–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Brennan PF, Moore SM, Smyth KA. Alzheimer’s disease caregivers’ uses of a computer network. West J Nurs Res 1992; 14(5): 662–73

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Brennan PF, Ripich S. Use of a home-care computer network by persons with AIDS. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 1994; 10(2): 258–72

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Brennan PF, Moore SM, Smyth KA. The effects of a special computer network on caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Nurs Res 1995; 44(3): 166–72

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Gustafson D, Wise M, McTavish F, et al. Development and pilot evaluation of a computer-based support system for women with breast cancer. J Psychosocial Oncol 1993; 11(4): 69–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Klemm P, Hurst M, Dearholt S, et al. Cyber solace: gender differences on Internet cancer support groups. Comput Nurs 1999; 17(2): 65–72

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Klemm P, Reppert K, Visich L. A nontraditional cancer support group: the Internet. Comput Nurs 1998; 16(1): 31–6

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Helwig A, Lovelle A, Guse C, et al. An office-based Internet patient education system: a pilot system. J Fam Pract 1999; 48(2): 123–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. CyberAtlas [online]. Available from: http://www.cyberatlas.com/bigpicture/demographics/ [Accessed 2000 Aug 28]

  12. Mold J, Cacy J, Barton E. Patient-physician e-mail communication. J Okla State Med Assoc 1998; 91(6): 331–4

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Horton K, Garland M, Fishman E. The Internet as a potential source of information about radiological procedures for patients. J Digit Imaging 2000; 13(1): 46–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Robinson C, Flowers CW, Alperson BL, et al. Internet access and use among disadvantaged inner-city patients. JAMA 1999; 281(11): 988–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Finkelstein J, Cabrera MR, Hripcsak G. Internet-based home asthma telemonitoring: can patients handle the technology? Chest 2000; 117(1): 148–55

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Leaffer T, Gonda B. The Internet: an underutilized tool in patient education. Comput Nurs 2000; 18(1): 47–52

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Gustafson D, McTavish F, Hawkins R, et al. Computer support for elderly women with breast cancer [letter]. JAMA 1998; 280(15): 1305

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Goldsmith D, Safran C. Using the web to reduce postoperative pain following ambulatory surgery. Proc Am Med Informatics Assoc 1999; 780-4

  19. Gustafson D, Hawkins R, Boberg E, et al. Impact of a patientcentered, computer-based health information/support system. Am J Prev Med 1999; 16(1): 1–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Lehman ED. Preliminary experience with the Internet release of AIDA — an interactive educational diabetes simulator. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 1998; 56(2): 109–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Gray J, Pompilio-Weitzner G, Jones P, et al. Baby carelink: development and implementation of a www-based system for neonatal home telemedicine. Proc Am Med Informatics Annu Symp 1998; 351-5

  22. Flatley-Brennan P. Computer network home care demonstration: a randomized trial in persons living with AIDS. Comput Biol Med 1998; 28(5): 489–508

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Winzelberg A, Eppstein D, Eldredge K, et al. Effectiveness of an Internet-based program for reducing risk factors in eating disorders. J Consult Clin Psychol 2000; 68(2): 346–50

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Johnson KB, Ravert RD, Everton A. Internet TV set-top devices for web-based projects: smooth sailing or rough surfing? Proc Am Med Informatics Assoc Annu Symp 1999; 535-9

  25. Cudney S, Weinert C. Computer-based support groups nursing in cyberspace. Comput Nurs 2000; 18(1): 35–43

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. D’Alessandro M, D’Alessandro D, Hendrix M, et al. The virtual naval hospital: a digital library for naval primary care providers and patients. Military Med 1998; 163: 775–80

    Google Scholar 

  27. Welch P. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center Nephrology Service website: a tool for military-wide provider and patient. Military Med 2000; 165(3): 189–92

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. McKay HG, Feil EG, Glasgow RE, et al. Feasibility and use of an Internet support service for diabetes self-management. Diabetes Educ 1998; 24(2): 174–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Hoch DB, Norris D, Lester JE, et al. Information exchange in an epilepsy forum on the world wide web. Seizure 1999; 8: 30–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Mandl K, Kohane I, Brandt A. Electronic patient-physician communication: problems and promise. J Am Coll Phys-Am Soc Intern Med 1998; 129(6): 495–500

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Reece RL. The Internet as an equalizing, energizing, and transforming force in patient and physician relationships. Conn Med 1999; 63: 683–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kane B, Sands D. Guidelines for the clinical use of electronic mail with patients. J Am Med Inform Assoc 1999; 5(1): 104–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Eysenbach G, Diepgen TL. Patients looking for information on the Internet and seeking teleadvice. Arch Dermatol 1999; 135: 151–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Eysenbach G, Diepgen TL. Responses to unsolicited patient e-mail requests for medical advice on the world wide web. JAMA 1998; 280: 1333–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Impicciatore P, Pandolfini C, Casella N, et al. Reliability of health information for the public on the world wide web: systemic survey of advice on managing fever in children at home. BMJ 1997; 314: 1875–81

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. McClung HJ, Murray RD, Heitlinger LA. The Internet as a source for current patient information. Pediatrics 1998; 101(6): E2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Soot L, Moneta G, Edwards J. Vascular surgery and the Internet: a poor source of patient-oriented information. J Vasc Surg 1999; 30(1): 84–91

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Latthe M, Latthe P, Charlton R. Quality of information on emergency contraception on the Internet. Br J Fam Plan 2000; 26(1): 39–43

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Tamm E, Raval B, Huynh P. Evaluation of the quality of self-education mammography material available for patients on the Internet. Acad Radio 2000; 7(3): 137–41

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Graber MA, Roller CM, Kaeble B. Readability levels of patient education material on the World Wide Web. J Fam Pract 1999; 48(1): 58–61

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Duffy M, Snyder K. Can ED patients read your patient education materials? J Emerg Nurs 1999; 25(4): 294–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Deborah Lewis (Associate Professor)

  2. West Virginia University School of Nursing, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Kimberly Behana

Authors
  1. Deborah Lewis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kimberly Behana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Deborah Lewis.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lewis, D., Behana, K. The Internet as a Resource for Consumer Healthcare. Dis-Manage-Health-Outcomes 9, 241–247 (2001). https://doi.org/10.2165/00115677-200109050-00001

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00115677-200109050-00001

Keywords

Search

Navigation