The Internet is seen as the most trusted media source for consumers when looking for credible health information, according to a new study sponsored by Medical Broadcasting Company (MBC) and conducted by Nielsen//NetRatings. While research shows that consumers trust their physician the most when it comes to health information, patients are increasingly using the Internet to make the doctor-patient dialogue more informed, finds the study.
The survey adds that 42% of the 991 respondents say they trust health information they find on the Internet, compared with just 16% for information found in other forms of media. Consumers are also taking advantage of the great depth of health information on the Internet. More than 85% of respondents say that they look at two or more Web sites when searching for health information, according to MBC. The survey also finds that more than 65% of respondents say they use the Internet to research important health topics before and after they visit a doctor.
MBC adds that despite recent challenges to the credibility of the pharmaceutical industry, nearly one-third of respondents say they use the Internet to visit pharmaceutical company Web sites for information about prescription products.
source: http://www.aishealth.com/EHealthBusiness/060905.html
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