A new study finds that more than eighty percent of Internet users in the United States search for health information online.
Susannah Fox from the Pew Internet Project says doctors are still the main source of health information. But the study found that searching online is one of the leading ways that people look for a second opinion. He says, "People are short of factchecking what they have heard from a doctor. Our studies show that people are still very likely to turn to a health doctor when they need a diagnosis(诊断) or are planning a treatment. "
Forty-four percent of people are actually looking for doctors or other providers when they search for health information online. Two thirds of Internet users look online for information about a certain disease or medical condition.
The Internet has also become an important source of spiritual support for people with health problems. Susannah Fox says one in five Internet users has gone online to find other people who have the same condition.
A disease is considered uncommon if it affects(侵袭) fewer than 200, 000 people worldwide. The rise of social networking has made it easier for people with uncommon diseases to connect with each other and feel less alone. Social networking is also changing the way some doctors and patients communicate with each other.
Dr Jeff Livingston operates a medical centre for women in Irving, Texas. His office uses passwordprotected software to share information with patients. He says the software has increased efficiency(效率), reduced costs and improved relations with patients. It has just changed the way we do health care. His medical centre also has a Facebook page, a My Space page and a Twitter feed.
