Patient–Provider Discussions About Online Health Information in the Health Information National Trends Survey

Abstract

Online health information-seeking is common and can impact patient–provider interactions. Using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2024 (n = 20,292), this study assessed trends in the percentage of Americans who reported discussing online health information with health care providers in the past year. Next, 2024 HINTS data (n = 6,350) assessed perceptions of provider openness, provider respectfulness, and impact on patient–provider interactions among those who discussed online health information with a provider. Multivariable logistic regressions tested associations of demographic, internet, health, and healthcare–related factors with occurrence and perceptions of online health information discussions. Online health information discussions increased from 2005 (25.87%) to 2024 (36.40%). In 2024, most respondents who discussed online health information with a provider perceived those discussions positively, but approximately 14% did not perceive their provider as open or respectful, and 9% reported that discussing online information made their interactions with providers worse. Odds of discussing online information were greater among those reporting high internet search skills (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–2.24) or perceived past medical discrimination (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.25–2.43), but lower among adults aged 65+ (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49–0.84). Odds of perceiving provider openness were higher among those reporting high internet search skills (aOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.09–4.97), high patient-centeredness (aOR = 6.69, 95% CI = 4.57–9.80), or excellent quality of care (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.04–2.69) in the past year. Ensuring that patients feel comfortable bringing internet research to providers and that providers respond with openness and respect may strengthen patient–provider relationships and encourage patient engagement, especially among patients with limited internet search skills.

Keywords

online information-seeking health communication patient–provider communication patient-centered care digital literacy internet search skills

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