Empowered and knowledgeable health consumers: The impact of online support groups on the doctor–patient relationship

Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor–patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.

Chinese abstract寿命的延长意味着许多人可活到七八十岁甚至更长时间，同时患慢性疾病的人也越来越多。医疗文献显示，互联网已在慢性疾病的护理中得到应用，而且在市场营销文献中也有一定程度的应用，近期研究表明，约60%的患者通过互联网查询疾病和治疗信息。本文采用混合方法，研究网上互助小组对医患关系的影响，研究发现网络上一发炎性肠道疾病互助小组的成员互相分享个人意见，互相鼓励，将这一小组视为了解医疗诊治信息的可靠渠道。患者与医生之间传统的非对称关系受到这种新渠道的挑战，通过此网络渠道，医疗消费者可获取更全面的信息资讯，与医疗服务提供商合作，持续管理慢性疾病。