Patients' use of the Internet for pain-related medical information.

OBJECTIVE: Patients increasingly use the Internet for medical information. For doctor-patient communication it is important to gain insight into the use and impact of medical Internet searches of patients. This study aims to evaluate patients' use of the Internet for information about their pain problem.

METHODS: A self-administered survey on pain-related Internet use was sent to 200 new patients attending a university pain center. The response rate was 61%.

RESULTS: Half of all respondents used the Internet for medical information and a smaller percentage (39%) searched for specific information about pain. Patients found information on the Internet to be of good quality and quite easy to find and understand. In general, Respondents did not learn anything new. The on-line medical information confirmed what they already knew. Less than half of the respondents discussed information from the Internet with their physician.

CONCLUSION: Half of all patients used the Internet for medical information. Patients are reasonably certain that the information is accurate and reliable, while this may not always be the case.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Physicians should inquire about patients' use of various sources of information (such as the Internet) and offer to clarify any questions or concerns that arise from that use.