You Should Probably Ask An Expert…

Lisa Stiles / Jul 13th / Comments

I’ve been digging into the Pew Research Center’s report on “The Shared Search for Health Information on the Internet”, which was released last month. While it offers a wealth of information, I was particularly interested in the assertion that the Internet and its various applications acts a supplement to health information and can speed information exchange. While this isn’t a particularly startling fact, it includes an important word that should reassure healthcare providers who express concern that the Internet will supplant a healthcare professional’s advice.

The key word is “supplement.” According to the report, “American adults still continue to turn to traditional sources of health information, even as many of them deepen their engagement with the online world.” The report finds that 86% of all adults ask a health professional, such as a doctor, for information or assistance in dealing with health or medical issues.

That fact was highlighted here at Talstone when a woman posted an interesting comment to one of our previous blog posts – D.J.’s 10 questions with Dr. Kevin Pho. Apparently seeing the validity of an “M.D.” on the blog, she provided us with a full description of a recent lab result and asked our opinion. Actually, she asked Dr. Pho’s opinion. While we are always happy to a get a blog comment, D.J. had to inform her that we are a healthcare marketing firm and she needed to contact a healthcare provider.

That one example lends credibility to the survey result that 66% of Internet users have looked for specific information about a disease or medical problem, followed by 55% who have looked for information about a certain medical treatment or procedure.

Social media, social networking, mobile and wireless opportunities – they all provide a rich platform to supplement, inform, influence, and effect healthcare change for the better. But none of them negate the need for healthcare information that is valuable, pertinent, accessible, and meaningful. Content still reigns and the expertise of a provider is highly valued. The Pew study shows us that while it is vital to know how a person looks for information, it’s crucial to understand what they are looking for. Filling that need should prove an opportunity to providers everywhere.