Internet Use for Children's Health Information at Canadian Tertiary Hospital
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Abstract
Background
The use of the Internet to search for medical and health related information is increasing
and associated with concerns around quality and safety. We investigated the current use
and perceptions of reliable websites for children’s health information by parents.
Methods.
Following institutional ethics approval we conducted a survey of parents/guardians of children presenting for day surgery. A 20-item survey instrument developed and tested by the investigators was administered.
Results.
Ninety-eight percent of respondents used the Internet to search for information around
their child’s health. Eighty percent reported using public search engines as their first
resource while less than 20% used university/hospital based websites. Common
conditions such as colds/flu, skin conditions and fever were the most frequently searched
and unique conditions directly affecting the child were second. Despite low usage levels
of university/hospital-based websites for health information, the majority of
parents/guardians (74%) regarded these as providing safe, accurate and reliable
information. In contrast, only 24% of respondents regarded public search engines as
providing safe and reliable information. Fifty percent of parents/guardians cross-checked
information found on the internet with the family physician.
Conclusions
An unprecedented majority of parents/guardians is using the Internet for their child’s
health information. Of concern is that parents/guardians are currently not using reliable
and safe sources of information. Health care providers should begin to focus on
improving access to safe, accurate and reliable information for parents/guardians through
various modalities including education, design for multiplatform, incorporation of ‘safe
seals’ and better search engine optimization.
The use of the Internet to search for medical and health related information is increasing
and associated with concerns around quality and safety. We investigated the current use
and perceptions of reliable websites for children’s health information by parents.
Methods.
Following institutional ethics approval we conducted a survey of parents/guardians of children presenting for day surgery. A 20-item survey instrument developed and tested by the investigators was administered.
Results.
Ninety-eight percent of respondents used the Internet to search for information around
their child’s health. Eighty percent reported using public search engines as their first
resource while less than 20% used university/hospital based websites. Common
conditions such as colds/flu, skin conditions and fever were the most frequently searched
and unique conditions directly affecting the child were second. Despite low usage levels
of university/hospital-based websites for health information, the majority of
parents/guardians (74%) regarded these as providing safe, accurate and reliable
information. In contrast, only 24% of respondents regarded public search engines as
providing safe and reliable information. Fifty percent of parents/guardians cross-checked
information found on the internet with the family physician.
Conclusions
An unprecedented majority of parents/guardians is using the Internet for their child’s
health information. Of concern is that parents/guardians are currently not using reliable
and safe sources of information. Health care providers should begin to focus on
improving access to safe, accurate and reliable information for parents/guardians through
various modalities including education, design for multiplatform, incorporation of ‘safe
seals’ and better search engine optimization.
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