Internet Health Resources

Health seekers go online to become informed, to prepare for appointments and surgery, to share information, and to seek and provide support.We conducted an online canvassing of Internet users to find out in more detail the kinds of things they do online and the impact it has on their health care. From the nearly 2,000 responses we received, we can construct a detailed portrait of the many kinds of activities health seekers do online.Among other things, Internet users:- Search for health information at any time of the day or night.- Research a diagnosis or prescription.- Prepare for surgery or find out how best to recover from one.- Get tips from other caregivers and e-patients about dealing with a particular symptom.- Give and receive emotional support.- Keep family and friends informed of a loved one’s condition.- Find humor and even joy in a bad situation.