Press coverage of the Pew Internet Project’s recent report, “Information Searches That Solve Problems,” focused on how “libraries still matter” especially among young people. One aspect that I think merits further attention is how people interact with various information sources when they are dealing with a serious illness or health concern.
trends & principles
Googlers vs. e-patients vs. cyberchondriacs–Susannah Fox
Tara Parker-Pope’s blog, Well, sparked an outcry last week when she posted, “A Doctor’s Disdain for Medical ‘Googlers’”. Before you read her post and all the comments (275 so far), I recommend reading the actual Time column which inspired it all. I’d love to hear what people think about the issues raised, but I also […]
Open Internet vs. Closed Doctor-Directed Systems–Susannah Fox
Our research shows that most people just use a general search engine when they have a health question, but many report feeling overwhelmed by what they find. What’s the trade-off? What other resources are out there for e-patients?
“Good enough” technology–Susannah Fox
What else out there in the e-patient world is “good enough” (or not)? It might be OK if your diet and exercise plan is just “good enough,” but you want your surgeon to strive for perfection. What are some other examples of “good enough” technology or care?
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