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Internet use by patients--a shift in power?

Traditionally, the patient has relied on health care professionals for advice and knowledge. The unprecedented access to information offered by the Internet may challenge this relationship. To investigate this, a questionnaire was sent to 640 transplant patients. 24 responded positively and were interviewed to see if the information they found on the net had been useful, in negotiating a change in treatment or as support. Internet use was associated with younger males who had access to the net at work. 22 had found useful information although only 1 patient had negotiated a change in treatment as a result. As the Internet becomes universally available, patients will be empowered to have a larger role in maintaining their health, and support groups will be better able to help patients. To prepare to deal with this avalanche of information we need to develop a system of accreditation of Internet sites, to create our own sites and to collaborate with patient support groups.