Health information on the Internet

Not surprisingly, this paradigm shift has elicited varied and sometimes conflicting views about the value of the Internet as a tool to improve health care.[9] Rich, educated, and socially advantaged patients may enjoy the benefits of the shared decision-making approach more than those with a lower socioeconomic class or minority status.While physicians can work on improving their doctor-patient communication skills, individuals can become more knowledgeable about their health through patient education programs.[20][21][22][23] Several studies have used social media to gather data on patients' adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with generally promising results.[31] The open-access policy has significantly increased the accessibility of professional health information to researchers, physicians, and the public through the Internet.Additionally, most online diagnostic tools fail to account for the user's familial and personal medical history, including current diagnoses and conditions they possess.[citation needed] More healthcare professionals rely on electronic medical records because it is a favorable means for patients to access their personal health information.For example, an app by wellness blogger Belle Gibson promoting alternative, unproven cancer therapies was downloaded over 200,000 times in its first month after its 2013 debut.When readers search and try to access a manuscript of interest, they are directed to the website of the respective journal where the document was originally published.In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration offers guidance for health industry organizations that share information online.
A 1984 United States advertisement for access to health information with the 1980s Apple III
Apple IIIInternethealth literacypeer reviewedPhysiciansshared decision makingshared decision-makingsocioeconomic classminoritycomplementary and alternative medicineevidence-based medicineMisinformationself-diagnosisadverse drug reactionsscientific journalsacademic journal publishing reformelectronic publishingelectronic medical recordsprotected health informationexpectation of privacyidentity theftElectronic medical recordmedical recordelectronic mediaDe-identificationanonymizationNational Health ServiceMobile appsBelle GibsonApple App StorePubMedMEDLINEUnited States National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of HealthHealth information on WikipediaList of medical wikisFood and Drug AdministrationDoctorow CIMS Healthqz.comMedscapetheatlantic.comMedlinePlusTelemedicine and telehealthHealth informaticsIn absentia health careTelecommunicationAdmission noteBlue ButtonElectronic health recordHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability ActPersonal health recordPatient participationDecision aidsDoctor–patient relationshipE-patientHealth 2.0Health educationKnowledge translationmHealthParticipative decision-making in organizationsPatient Activation MeasureOnline patient educationPubMed CentralsubspecialtieseHealthRemote surgeryRemote therapyRemote patient monitoringTele-audiologyTele-epidemiologyTeledentistryTeledermatologyTelemental healthTelenursingTeleophthalmologyTelepathologyTelepharmacyTelepsychiatryTeleradiologyTelerehabilitationOpen-source healthcare softwarePatient opinion leaderResearch participantVirtual patient