Israeli E-patientsʼ Informational Needs

Background: Online medical information has transformed the way patients obtain information. Purpose: The present study examined patients' informational needs and the patient- Healthcare Provider (HCP) relationship from the perceptions of both patients and HCP. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study; data were collected in Israel from100 HCPs (nurses and physicians) and 184 e-patients. Findings: E-patients were comfortable sharing e-information with their HCP and expected them to consider the e-information in treatment decision-making. Physicians thought they provided more information than the patients considered that they received from them, while both nurses and patients were in agreement about their interactions. Patients thought that there was a higher concordance between the e-information and the information they received from the physician/nurse as compared to what physicians and nurses reported. Discussion and Conclusions: E-health information does not disrupt the patient-nurse/physician relationship. To promote compliance to treatment, it is important that HCPs consider information presented by patients when preparing the treatment plan.