How Do Physicians Discuss e-Health with Patients? The Relationship of Physicians' e-Health Beliefs to Physician Mediation Styles

Abstract

A survey of 104 physicians examined the role of physicians' evaluation of the quality of e-health and beliefs about the influence of patients' use of e-health in how physicians discuss e-health materials with patients. Physicians' lower (poor) evaluation of the quality of e-health content predicted more negative mediation (counter-reinforcement of e-health content). Perceived benefits of patients' e-health use predicted more positive (endorsement of e-health content). Physician's perceived concerns (negative influence) regarding patients' e-health use were not a significant predictor for their mediation styles. Results, challenging the utility of restrictive mediation, suggested reconceptualizing it as redirective mediation in a medical interaction. The study suggested that patient-generated e-health-related inquiries invite physician mediation in medical consultations. Findings and implications are discussed in light of the literature of physician-patient interaction, incorporating the theory of parental mediation of media into a medical context.

eHealth, Participatory Medicine, and Ethical Care: A Focus Group Study of Patients’ and Health Care Providers’ Use of Health-Related Internet Information

“…When HRII is discussed in medical consultations, it can have both positive and negative impacts [ 27 ] and does not always mark a shift toward patient-centeredness [ 28 ], particularly as patient and HCP perspectives on the role of HRII can differ [ 29 ]. While patients may be motivated to spend time and effort seeking HRII about specific diseases and treatments, physicians face constraints searching relevant information for individual patients [ 30 ] and HCP responses to use varies [ 31 ]. While HRII has the capacity to advance a partnership model of care [ 32 ], it is not clear how changing roles and responsibilities for both patients and HCPs [ 33 ] are negotiated in these shifting times.…”

The adoption of e-health services: Comprehensive analysis of the adoption setting from the user׳s perspective

“…In most cases, the qualitative interviews highlight that physicians have considerable reservations regarding e-health services because they fear a loss of control, too much transparency concerning their diagnosis and treatment, data abuse or insufficient billing for their efforts. Therefore, the physicians should equally be considered as potential users who even have an influential multiplier function on the dissemination of the e-health-service [40].…”

Please leave your phone outside: policymakers and medical app providers are encouraging patient participation, but doctors in the consult room are not

“…Surveys and interviews consistently find that some patients feel that their doctor responds coldly or defensively when internet-sourced information is mentioned 8 11 16 27 32. This frustrates and humiliates patients, negatively impacts their relationship with their doctor and increases the chance that they will not share internet-sourced information in the future 16 18 27 38 55…”