This article evaluates how the search for health information on the internet impacts the doctor-patient relationship and the perception of doctors and patients regarding this phenomenon.
Of the 200 patients interviewed, 85.6% sought information online, although they expressed reservations about the reliability of the content. They reported a good relationship with their doctors, but desired greater participation in decisions about their health.
The 92 doctors interviewed expressed a slightly positive view of the impact of online information on patients’ health, considering some possible harmful effects, such as fear and excessive worry.