More people search for health online

The number of people turning to the Internet to search for a diverse range of health-related subjects continues to grow, according to a new study. 80 percent of Internet users, or about 93 million Americans, have searched for a health-related topic online, according to a study released Wednesday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. That's up from 62 percent of Internet users who said they went online to research health topics in 2001. [via MSNBC]

The Internet provides the opportunity for each person to get a "second opinion first" by reviewing the options, exploring the literature, and becoming highly informed about personal and family health issues. Educated clients due require health professionals to be more flexible, to acknowledge that they don't know everything, and to teach and explain. Difficult to do in a five minute visit. I expect to see new "health advocates" arise that will become both research and care support team members.