Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium April 2002 The Changing Physician-Patient Relationship: Critical Social Issues in the Use of the Internet in Health Care James G. Anderson, Ph. D. Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology Purdue University

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Objectives: To conduct computer assisted telephone interviews and Web based surveys of consumers and physicians in four countries: the US, UK Canada & Germany To determine patterns of use and barriers to the use of the Internet for health-related purposes To determine how the Internet is affecting the physician-patient relationship

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Introduction: 110 million Americans used the Internet to obtain health-related information in 2002 However, physicians Are skeptical of consumer use of the Internet and worry that patients who consult Web sites may not consult a doctor when serious health problems occur

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Factors increasing the demand for information and the push for consumer self-reliance

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 The Transformation of the Physician-Patient Relationship: A shift in the role of patients from passive recipients of medical care to active consumers of health services Patients assume more responsibility for their health

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 The evolution of the patient-physician relationship:

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 The evolution of the patient-physician relationship:

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 The evolution of the patient-physician relationship:

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 The evolution of the patient-physician relationship:

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Questions addressed in this study include: How are consumers using the Internet for health- related purposes? What are the barriers to consumer use of the Internet? How is the Internet affecting the physician-patient relationship? What are the implications of the Internet for the future of physician-patient relationships?

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 U.S. Consumer Survey Sample: 3,000 random digit telephone number 186 adults interviewed 135 (73%) used the Internet 105 (78%) used the Internet for health–related purposes. Demographic Characteristics: 44% male 75% white Median education: some college/vocational training Average age: 42 years Median income: $35,000- $70,000

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Figure 1. Consumer Use of the Internet for Health-Related Purposes

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Figure 2. Consumer Interest in Using the Internet for Health-Related Purposes

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Figure 3. Perceived Barriers to Internet Use

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 U.S. Physician Survey Harris Interactive Survey 400 practicing physicians 89% use the Internet

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Figure 4. Physician Use of the Internet for Professional Purposes

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Figure 5. Physician Use of Online Patient Tools

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Future Research Conduct computer assisted telephone interviews and/or Web-based surveys of consumers in several countries: the US, UK, Canada & Germany

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Future Research Conduct Web-based surveys of physicians in several countries: the US, UK, Canada & Germany

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Implications for Practice: Looking Toward the Future Potential benefits: –More cost-effective health care –Reduced medical errors –Better management of chronic diseases –Greater patient participation in health- care decisions

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security Second Annual Research Symposium - April 2002 Implications for Practice: Looking Toward the Future Barriers to overcome: –Encourage patients to take responsibility for their own health care –Facilitate patient ability to locate and interpret health information –Ensure patient’s privacy and confidentiality –Reduce physician resistance to patient use of the Internet