Internet Usage by Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Implications to Participatory Medicine and Personalized Healthcare. (21st June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lejbkowicz, Izabella; Paperna, Tamar; Stein, Nili; Dishon, Sara; Miller, Ariel
• Other Names: Hartung Hans Peter Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis international. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-06-21
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/640749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2654

Abstract

Abstract : Online health information and services for patients were suggested to improve symptom management and treatment adherence, thereby contributing to healthcare optimization. This paper aimed to characterize multiple sclerosis (MS) patients Internet usage. Information regarding browsing habits, Internet reliability, and the medical team's attitude to information collected online was obtained by questionnaires from MS patients. Data was compared between nonbrowsers, browsers on MS topics, and browsers on non-MS topics only. From the 96 patients recruited, 61 (63.5%) performed MS-related searches. The most viewed topics were "understanding the disease" and "treatments". Patients reported that the information helped coping with MS and assured them of the appropriateness of their therapy. Shorter disease duration was correlated with higher Internet activity. Disabled patients were more interested in online interaction with specialists and support groups. This paper suggests that MS patients benefit from online information, and it emphasizes the importance of resources tailored to patients needs.