The Online Medic

Among those who searched for health information online during the illness of a loved one (“e-caregivers”), a Pew Internet & American Life Project survey found that 36% said the internet helped them find advice or support from other people; 34% said it helped them find professional or expert services; and 26% said it helped them find information or compare options. According to the survey, one-in-five online Americans (20%) said the internet has greatly improved the way they get information about health care. Moreover, the internet often played a major role for e-caregivers. When asked about all the different sources of information they consulted, 58% said the most important was something they found on the internet. This compares with 38% who said their most important source was found offline.Read More