Health information on the Internet

Not surprisingly, this paradigm shift has elicited varied and sometimes conflicting views about the value of the Internet as a tool to improve health care.

[9] Rich, educated, and socially advantaged patients may enjoy the benefits of the shared decision-making approach more than those with a lower socioeconomic class or minority status.

While physicians can work on improving their doctor-patient communication skills, individuals can become more knowledgeable about their health through patient education programs.

[13] Social forums in which anyone can have conversations about health with their peers exist; these are especially popular among patients who want to talk about shared medical concerns with others.

[20][21][22][23] Several studies have used social media to gather data on patients' adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with generally promising results.

[31] The open-access policy has significantly increased the accessibility of professional health information to researchers, physicians, and the public through the Internet.

Some of the academic medical literature, however, may not be peer-reviewed[32][33] and users are advised to exercise caution when reading health-related articles from such websites.

[citation needed] One study found that a correct diagnosis given by the average online symptom checker happened only 34% of the time.

Additionally, most online diagnostic tools fail to account for the user's familial and personal medical history, including current diagnoses and conditions they possess.

[citation needed] More healthcare professionals rely on electronic medical records because it is a favorable means for patients to access their personal health information.

For example, an app by wellness blogger Belle Gibson promoting alternative, unproven cancer therapies was downloaded over 200,000 times in its first month after its 2013 debut.

When readers search and try to access a manuscript of interest, they are directed to the website of the respective journal where the document was originally published.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration offers guidance for health industry organizations that share information online.