@article {Schwartz39, author = {Kendra L. Schwartz and Thomas Roe and Justin Northrup and James Meza and Raouf Seifeldin and Anne Victoria Neale}, title = {Family Medicine Patients{\textquoteright} Use of the Internet for Health Information: A MetroNet Study}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {39--45}, year = {2006}, doi = {10.3122/jabfm.19.1.39}, publisher = {The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine}, abstract = {We explored a diverse sample of family medicine patients{\textquoteright} use of the internet for health information. Primary objectives were to determine the extent of access to the Internet, and among those with access, the types of health information sought; how they search for that information; and how they assess the accuracy of the information. We also surveyed the physicians{\textquoteright} perceptions of their patients{\textquoteright} use of the Internet for health information. Of 1289 patients participating, 65\% reported access to the internet; age, sex, race, education, and income were each significantly associated with internet access. A total of 74\% of those with access had used the Internet to find health information for themselves or family members. Disease-specific information was most frequently sought, followed by medication information, and then information about nutrition and exercise. Patients determine website accuracy by the endorsement of the site by a government agency or a professional organization, their own perception of reliability of the website source, and the understandability of the information. Almost 90\% attempted to verify the information they obtained. A majority had discussed website information with their physicians. The physicians (n = 92) underestimate the proportion of their patients who used the Internet for health information. A total of 36\% of physicians said at least one patient per week brought in Internet health information, and 63\% said they had suggested a specific website to their patients. Physicians need critical appraisal skills to determine whether information found by a patient is relevant to that patient{\textquoteright}s condition and is based on the best available evidence. In addition, physicians directing patients to websites for health information must be confident that the site is maintained and updated by a reliable and credible source.}, issn = {1557-2625}, URL = {https://www.jabfm.org/content/19/1/39}, eprint = {https://www.jabfm.org/content/19/1/39.full.pdf}, journal = {The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine} }