Surveying the online landscape: social media, search engine, and provider review use among new gynecologic oncology patients

Abstract

Objectives: Patients navigating a new cancer diagnosis and the complex experience of cancer treatment may turn to internet-based resources and social media (SM) for information and support. To understand how gynecologic oncology patients research diseases and providers, we surveyed patients on their internet and SM use. Methods: Institutional review board (IRB) exemption was obtained and informed consent was implied by participation in this anonymous survey. All new patients to the gynecologic oncology clinic at an academic cancer care center were invited to participate. A 20 question study-specific survey was developed which included a variety of different question formats. Baseline characteristics as well as use of SM, search engines, and online review sites to learn about their diagnosis and choose a provider/clinic were assessed. Results: Over a 3 month period, 241 new patients were seen at the clinic with 107 surveys completed (44% response rate). Most patients (68%) were over the age of 50. 78% of patients had at least one social media account, Facebook being the most common (84%). The majority of patients (81%) reported at least daily SM engagement. Only 17% of patients had ever completed an online physician review, while 35% reported having filled out a hospital-provided review. 84% of patients had used the internet to research a medical condition before and 62% had used the internet or social media to research their current problem. The most common online resources were Google (70%), WebMD (35%), American Cancer Society (34%), other medical institutions (26%) and our own website (22%). Only three patients used SM as a resource to obtain information about their disease. With regard to provider choice, 39% of patients did not research their provider prior to their visit. Among those that did, 54% talked to their referring provider, 49% reviewed provider profiles on our website, and 35% used a search engine. A total of 45% felt they would be swayed towards or away from seeing a provider based on their online reviews. 29% felt that their providers SM content would affect their decision to see a provider or not, but only 28% of patients would follow their provider or clinic on a SM outlet. Of the types of resources patients would prefer to be given, 55% wanted online access to videos, 53% wanted paper information, 37% wanted written online resources, 36% wanted an in-person support group and 27% wanted an online support group. Conclusions: Regular use of the internet and SM is prevalent among gynecologic oncology patients to research their conditions but significantly less used to investigate their providers. As SM and internet-based resources become more ingrained in how people interact with healthcare, there are increasing opportunities for providers and institutions to engage and inform their patients, including older adults, through such platforms.