Internet use leads cancer patients to be active health care consumers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether cancer patients' Internet use leads them to prefer a more active role in medical decision making and whether the effects of Internet use on active participation preferences vary according to patients' education levels. METHODS: Randomly drawn sample (N=2013) from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, comprised of breast, prostate, and colon cancer patients, completed mail surveys in the fall of 2006 (overall response rate=64%). Of 2013 baseline respondents, 85% agreed to participate in follow-up survey (N=1703). Of those who agreed, 76% (N=1293) completed follow-up surveys in the fall of 2007. RESULTS: Cancer patients' Internet use for health information at wave one led them to want to be more active participants in medical decision making at wave two (β=.06, p<.05). This applied to all cancer patients regardless of their education levels. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of Internet use among cancer patients may lead patients to want to be more actively involved in medical decision making. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Considering the beneficial effects of patients' active participation in medical decision making, it will be worthwhile for health educators to recommend Internet use to cancer patients.