Patient requests for radiological services: An Australian study of patient agency and the impact of online health information

Abstract

Issue Addressed The Internet has been instrumental in patients' knowledge about health and medicine through increasing consultation of online sources that advocate self‐management. For example, those patients who request referrals from their doctors for tests and procedures in radiology. Such patient‐initiated referral requests can devolutionise the traditional model of health care. This study aimed to understand individuals who sought online health information (OHI) and whether requests for radiological referrals were the result of OHI seeking. Methods The individuals targeted were those who have had a radiological procedure in the past 5 years. Using an online survey tool, individuals completed a 20‐min anonymous survey. Included in the survey was a validated digital health literacy measurement scale, eHEALS. Results Those who scored higher on the eHEALS measure were likely to be under 55 years of age and were more inclined to request radiological referrals. Though they were not concerned with the credibility of sourced websites, most secured the desired outcome from their requests. Conclusion Overall, this study indicates that patients are consulting online sites for health information, and individuals with higher digital literacy scores are asking doctors for referrals for radiological tests and procedures. These findings confirm our anecdotal experience in radiology departments. So what?: In conducting this study, we hope to better inform radiology and other health practitioners of the way OHI is impacting clinical practice.

Patient initiated radiology requests: proof of wellness through images

“…But some participants understood the doctors' gatekeeping role and tried to remain 'a patient' (Kravitz et al 2003). However, overall, seeing a doctor seems to have become a formality to secure a referral letter, rather than relying on the doctors' knowledge and guidance (De Silva et al 2023). This study, albeit small, found that doctors, in competing for patient satisfaction, maintaining relationships and keeping pace with clinical productivity, tend to adopt a default approach of agreeing to patient requests (Sabbatini et al 2014;Carey et al 2015).…”

Associations and gender differences between OHI-seeking behaviors and eHealth literacy among Chinese university students

“…The ability to find, evaluate, and use online health information may be affected by an individual’s electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) level ( 2 ) , which ensures the effective use of health information. eHealth literacy is defined as “the ability to seek, discover, understand, and evaluate health information from electronic sources, and apply the acquired knowledge to solving or solving health problems.” ( 3 ) Studies showed that people with high eHealth literacy were more likely to seek health information and health knowledge ( 4 ) , participate in health behaviors and screening practices ( 5 ) , and had better self-management skills and interactions with doctors ( 6 ) .…”

“…eHealth literacy is defined as "the ability to seek, discover, understand, and evaluate health information from electronic sources, and apply the acquired knowledge to solving or solving health problems." (3) Studies showed that people with high eHealth literacy were more likely to seek health information and health knowledge (4) , participate in health behaviors and screening practices (5) , and had better self-management skills and interactions with doctors (6) .…”