Release: Embargoed until September 24, 2000 Contact: Jennifer Felsher202-371-4517 (9/23-27)703-519-1549[email protected]
STUDY DETERMINES WHAT INFORMATION PATIENTS WANT THEIR OTOLARYNGOLOGIST -- HEAD AND NECK SURGEON TO PROVIDE ON THE INTERNET
Research shows that almost half of the patients seeking care for disorders of the ears, nose, throat and related head and neck use the Internet to research their illness
Washington, DC -- The Internet is the fastest growing information medium of the modern era and its long-term implications and applications are still being discovered.
Many otolaryngologist -- head and neck surgeons, other physicians, and medical societies are taking advantage of technology by developing a presence on the Internet. However, this presence is being established without supporting data indicating how patients utilize the Internet for information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders. To provide a guide to their colleagues regarding this new technology, three otolaryngologists have set out to identify patients' usage patterns and interest in the Internet.
This ongoing study, "Utilization of the Internet by Otolaryngology Patients," is authored by Steven R. Mobley, MD, Soham Roy, MD, and Craig A. Buchman, MD all of Miami, FL Dr. Mobley will present the findings on Wednesday, September 27, at the Annual Meeting/Oto Expo of the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation being held September 24-27, 2000, at the Washington, DC Convention Center.
Methodology: A voluntary survey was administered to all new adult patients in a university-based outpatient otolaryngology clinic. Each patient was asked to provide a demographic profile and to complete a survey of 50 questions regarding their current or past use of the Internet in researching physicians, hospitals, symptoms, diagnosis, and other medical information. They were also asked to provide feedback about the kind of information they would like to see available on the Internet from their otolaryngologist.
Results: The survey was completed by 116 respondents; 70 percent of whom had regular access to the Internet. Age was not a determining factor in Internet use; however, level of income was significant (higher income indicating more use). Other significant findings were:
--Patients accessed the Internet an average of 1.9 times within the past year to research health care information.
--Forty-one percent of patients used the Internet to research a specific symptom or diagnosis.--The most common diagnosis researched were cancer and sinusitis.--Twenty-one percent of patients attempted to find a physician on the Internet; 30 percent were unsuccessful.
Patient feedback indicated that information regarding an otolaryngologist's education, experience, and malpractice record were desired. There was also significant patient interest in performing the basic office functions online (lab results, appointments, etc.). However, 85 percent of respondents were concerned about the reliability and safety of using the Internet for this type of information.
Conclusion: In response to the surge of Internet technology, many otolaryngologists (and physicians in general) are developing an Internet presence to provide information to their patients despite the lack of research conducted to determine exactly what type of information these patients are seeking. This ongoing study helps to identify the information needs of otolaryngology patients. It is clear that patients desire information from the Internet that is reliable, secure, and useful in researching all aspects of their health care.
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