Can online health information sources really improve patient satisfaction?

Abstract

Internet information has become the main way for individuals to obtain health information. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role online information sources play in health decision-making. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between online information sources and patient satisfaction, as well as their moderating effects as compared to those of other information sources. Using logistical regression analysis, we conducted the longitudinal data on 54,027 doctors and 952,877 online doctor reviews from 3,525 hospitals in 31 provinces to test a proposed research model. The results showed that patient satisfaction was generally lower for individuals who found a doctor through online information sources. Therefore, we suggest that patients consider the doctor quality, the doctor popularity, and patient involvement. In addition, we found that the doctor popularity had a negative moderating effect between online information sources and patient satisfaction, while patient involvement had a positive moderating effect between online information sources and patient satisfaction. The study provides strategic guidance and practical implications for policies, online healthcare community managers, and patients.

The Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Elderly Patients in Educational and Therapeutic Hospitals: Unveiling Barriers to Information Accessibility

“…The current study's findings align with previous research, which indicates that older patients tend to rely on medical providers for healthcare information (21,(24)(25)(26). This finding aligns with other research findings suggesting that the Internet is not a preferred source of health information for older patients (26).…”

“…The current study's findings align with previous research, which indicates that older patients tend to rely on medical providers for healthcare information (21,(24)(25)(26). This finding aligns with other research findings suggesting that the Internet is not a preferred source of health information for older patients (26). Additionally, the study supports the notion that discussing health information with physicians enhances the patient-provider relationship, leading to better communication and potentially increased patient satisfaction (27).…”

Designing a doctor evaluation index system for an online medical platform based on the information system success model in China

“…However, this classification is different from this study, where the information quality refers to the quality of the information provided by the doctors, rather than the comments of the doctors from patients in the platform and the information given to the doctors by the platform. From the results of the study, the information quality provided by doctors is weighted more than the service quality, contrary to the studies conducted from the patients’ perspective ( 58 ). In this dimension, the information content provided by doctors is more important than the information utility.…”

Role of Community Infrastructure in Improving Nutrition in Under-Five Children for Better Implementation of Integrated Child Development Services

“…[37] In contrast, a study in Iran shows nutrition knowledge from the Internet can improve dietary quality. [38] A study carried out on the Indian population shows eHealth movement is underway within healthcare systems in developing countries but the adoption of eHealth resources remains low. [39] This study shows demographics, health beliefs, and technology enablers are the significant factors for the use of eHealth.…”