Abstract
Introduction: The World‑Wide‑Web (WWW) or internet has become an important source of information including medical information globally. India stands second in the world with approximately 500 million internet users. Worldwide, about 4.5% of all internet searches are for health-related information and more than 70, 000 websites disseminate health information. Widespread use of internet as a source of health information has an effect on health-related knowledge, attitude and practices of general population as well as doctor-patient relationship. Objective: To assess the impact of health information available through internet on doctor-patient relationship from the doctor’s perspective. Methods: A web based study was conducted among the clinical doctors for the duration of 2 months. 16 questionnaires were prepared by authors and pre-validated by pilot study and expert’s opinion. Written informed consent from each 31 doctors participated in the study had taken. Result: 87% doctors agree that patient who had done internet search before the doctor's visit, takes more consultation time. 71% doctors believes that it is difficult to treat internet user patient because of distrustful behaviour and they suggest new investigations or ask for super-specialist's opinion. 90 % doctors agree that distrustful patients misuses the internet health information to test doctor's knowledge. 77% doctors believes that in spite of google search patients still have same faith on doctor. Conclusion: The impact of health information available through internet on doctor-patient relationship is both positive and negative and they perceive the overall effects on doctor-patient relationship as neutral.
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