Internet healthcare: do self-diagnosis sites do more harm than good?

Angela Ryan, Sue Wilson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    34 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: The growth of the Internet has enabled the public to more readily access information about health and disease. Available websites include those that provide possible diagnoses for particular symptoms and those that then assist people to decide whether to self-treat or consult a doctor. Objective: To describe the possible impact of the use of self-diagnosis websites. Methods: Self-diagnosis websites were reviewed and existing literature in this area was considered. Conclusions: Although information about possible diagnoses and their management has previously been available through books and leaflets, the development of self-diagnosis websites is different for several reasons. This editorial highlights these differences and possible harms and benefits that could arise from the use of self-diagnosis websites.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)227-229
    Number of pages3
    JournalExpert Opinion on Drug Safety
    Volume7
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

    Keywords

    • diagnosis
    • Internet
    • self-care

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Internet healthcare: do self-diagnosis sites do more harm than good?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this