Clinician–Patient Communication about Online Health Information

Abstract

Increasing numbers of patients bring online health information into the consultation room. As a result, the communication between clinicians and patients has undergone a major transition. The use of the Internet and its impact on patients and patient–clinician communication have become important challenges that health systems need to address. Online health information requires guidance from a clinician, especially if positive outcomes should be reinforced and negative consequences avoided. Not all patients discuss online health information with their clinicians. Communication barriers relate to the healthcare system, the information itself, the clinician, the patient, and the clinician–patient relationship. If patients discuss online health information with their clinician, they use many different communication strategies such as paraphrasing online information, asking additional questions, or expressing concerns about the information found online. When clinicians discuss online information, communication strategies vary from clinician‐centered to patient‐centered. These strategies are shaped by clinicians' attitude toward patients seeking online health information. When clinicians endorse patients' online efforts, positive patient‐reported outcomes are reported. To date, health education has been slow to acknowledge that patients seek online health information before their consultation. Clinicians must be trained to use patient‐centered communication strategies to discuss online health information with their patients.