Virtual Health
“Patients are playing an increasingly active role in decision-making about their care and are becoming increasingly informed about their health. Traditionally, sources of information about pregnancy and birth were family and friends and, in more recent times, antenatal classes. Evidence suggests that the media, particularly the Internet, is an increasingly influential source of information about illness and health” (Handfield, 2006).
I chose this article from my Academic OneFile research on mass media and media influence off of the Regis Library website. While there was a massive amount of information available, I chose this particular article as I can relate to what the author was discussing. Quickly summarizing the point of this article, the author was illustrating how more and more women rely more heavily on the use of the internet and other media sources for information regarding pregnancy and birth as opposed to the use of family and friends and “hand-me-down information” that was used prior to the creation of the internet. As I read through this article, the one idea that kept recurring in my mind through each paragraph was my own use of the internet as a replacement for a trip to the doctor. The amount of information that is readily available with the click of a mouse in regards to all health and wellness topics is astounding; by simply typing in a symptom, a wealth of information is there at your fingertips. WebMD is my personal favorite (www.webmd.com) for many things that I’m curious about, and it offers an explanation of the issue, the symptoms, the causes, the treatments, the effects and tons of other information. Why schedule a doctor appointment to learn the same information?
The study that was performed prior to this article being published was to gain information regarding the use of the media for the purpose of education and information on pregnancy and birth. The responses from the patients suggested that while women still value information provided by friends and family, it is primarily viewed as an opinion rather than a fact. Additionally, the information available on credible websites helps them be more prepared for their prenatal appointments by providing information that is useful for parents-to-be in addition to helping the know which questions to ask and what they need to be doing.
Overall, there is a mixed reaction from a medical standpoint. The internet is packed full of information, but a viewer must be particularly careful in regards to which information is credible. There is an increasing problem with patients self-diagnosing themselves based off of websites and in turn ignoring the bigger problem. As a rule of thumb, if it is something simple such as a sliver, a stomach ache or allergies, the internet can prove to be a very useful tool. However, if there is a bigger issue or an underlying problem, never assume that the internet offers all the answers; always get the opinion of a doctor before attempting to cure yourself.
Please email comments to: Abby's Email Address
My search was all done with Academic OneSource SU:Mass Media; Refined SU: Influences; Refined SU: Impacts on web users.
Handfield, B., Turnbull, S., & Bell, R J (Oct 2006). What do obstetricians think about media influences on their patients?. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 46, 5. p.379(5). Retrieved April 01, 2008, from Academic OneFile via Gale:http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/start.do?prodId=AONE
“Patients are playing an increasingly active role in decision-making about their care and are becoming increasingly informed about their health. Traditionally, sources of information about pregnancy and birth were family and friends and, in more recent times, antenatal classes. Evidence suggests that the media, particularly the Internet, is an increasingly influential source of information about illness and health” (Handfield, 2006).
I chose this article from my Academic OneFile research on mass media and media influence off of the Regis Library website. While there was a massive amount of information available, I chose this particular article as I can relate to what the author was discussing. Quickly summarizing the point of this article, the author was illustrating how more and more women rely more heavily on the use of the internet and other media sources for information regarding pregnancy and birth as opposed to the use of family and friends and “hand-me-down information” that was used prior to the creation of the internet. As I read through this article, the one idea that kept recurring in my mind through each paragraph was my own use of the internet as a replacement for a trip to the doctor. The amount of information that is readily available with the click of a mouse in regards to all health and wellness topics is astounding; by simply typing in a symptom, a wealth of information is there at your fingertips. WebMD is my personal favorite (www.webmd.com) for many things that I’m curious about, and it offers an explanation of the issue, the symptoms, the causes, the treatments, the effects and tons of other information. Why schedule a doctor appointment to learn the same information?
The study that was performed prior to this article being published was to gain information regarding the use of the media for the purpose of education and information on pregnancy and birth. The responses from the patients suggested that while women still value information provided by friends and family, it is primarily viewed as an opinion rather than a fact. Additionally, the information available on credible websites helps them be more prepared for their prenatal appointments by providing information that is useful for parents-to-be in addition to helping the know which questions to ask and what they need to be doing.
Overall, there is a mixed reaction from a medical standpoint. The internet is packed full of information, but a viewer must be particularly careful in regards to which information is credible. There is an increasing problem with patients self-diagnosing themselves based off of websites and in turn ignoring the bigger problem. As a rule of thumb, if it is something simple such as a sliver, a stomach ache or allergies, the internet can prove to be a very useful tool. However, if there is a bigger issue or an underlying problem, never assume that the internet offers all the answers; always get the opinion of a doctor before attempting to cure yourself.
Please email comments to: Abby's Email Address
My search was all done with Academic OneSource SU:Mass Media; Refined SU: Influences; Refined SU: Impacts on web users.
Handfield, B., Turnbull, S., & Bell, R J (Oct 2006). What do obstetricians think about media influences on their patients?. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 46, 5. p.379(5). Retrieved April 01, 2008, from Academic OneFile via Gale:http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/start.do?prodId=AONE
1 comment:
Good work on the link to your email address Abby.
As health care costs grow, I'm sure many more people will rely on the Internet (good or bad) for health information.
Regards,
Janet
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