The Internet is quickly becoming the first choice of many healthcare consumers whenever they feel less than 100 percent. And why not? It is quick, easy, and you don’t have to leave home. I think it is great that people are doing the research because it educates them and prevents needless, costly visits to the hospital or doctor’s office. However, it is important that healthcare consumers are able to filter through all of the “junk” on the web to find reliable sources of information. Although the Internet cannot actually assess, diagnose, or treat you; however, it can help the reader identify their physical ailment and possibly some home treatments. This may not always be the best course of action, but for individuals without insurance that will not go to the doctor at least they are doing something. When using the internet as a medium for healthcare, consumers need to make sure they are using reliable sites such as mayo clinic, department of health, etc. Additionally, compare information from different sites to come to a conclusion.
Damman, O., Hendriks, M., Rademakers, J., Delnoij, D., & Groenewegen, P. (2009). How do healthcare consumers process and evaluate comparative healthcare information? A qualitative study using cognitive interviews. BMC Public Health, 9423. Retrieved from MEDLINE database.
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