The impact of the Internet on the GP-patient relationship

This paper presents the results of a study of 560 randomly selected general practitioners in the United Kingdom to assess their perception of the effect of the Internet on the doctor-patient relationship. Responses indicate that meeting with a patient who has gathered information from the Internet is viewed as an opportunity for doctor-patient partnership, but that further information is needed on how to improve doctors' use of the Internet for their work. The findings also indicate that doctors feel that patient usage of the Internet challenges their knowledge, empowers patients in the consultation process, and leads to patients being better informed than their doctor on aspects of their care. There is concern that use of the Internet might confuse patients, increase the number of worried-well, and lead to unrealistic expectations. The majority of respondents did not consider themselves adequately prepared for the impact that the Internet may have on their work, and were unaware of any guidelines to assist them in determining appropriate Internet sites.