"It gave me relief ... it gave me confidence" : the online health information seeking experiences of adults with chronic health conditions

摘要: Background- The recent modernisation of the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) has included a number sizeable reforms that have emphasised partnership relationships between patients and professionals, the importance individuals taking more active role in their care. Many these changes been specifically geared towards with chronic health conditions, who are recognised as imposing largest strain on services worldwide. This occurred parallel huge increase people within UK turning to internet for information order become informed about treatment regimes. Despite this prevalence online (OHI) seeking, relatively little is known how seek OHI impact it lives others. Overall Study Aim- study sought understand seeking experience conditions by using an innovative mixed-methods approach collect breadth depth relevant topic. Design – One hundred participants were recruited from local support groups various conditions. first stage completed one two questionnaires, depending whether or not they had past. design focus was guided findings one, subsequently focused experiences older adults OHI. A descriptive phenomenological approach adopted provide rich descriptions patients’ experiences. Six purposefully selected sample respondents. Findings- results provided the OHI Findings suggested professionals still most important source users non-users OHI; awareness inconsistencies terms quality; identified perceived ease which useful located. further key finding high age, low education levels usage only acted barriers participants, but also negative participants’ perceptions positive outcomes such confidence decision-making engaging discussions with health professionals. Moreover, some demonstrated felt “too old” engage seeking. Stage 5 themes: patients responsibility health; expectations explicit own ability discern concern others do same; selective nature sharing patients, professionals; reinforcement social networks where and useful shared freely. Conclusion- Although less likely in, and perceive than younger counterparts, successfully experience, and perceiving constructive effects empowerment. Furthermore both stages research valuable play supporting Implication- demonstrates need actively support In doing so, could reinforce behaviour, assist effectively searching appraising