Authors
1 Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4 Clinical Informationist Research Group, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Access to online patient education information can lead to more effective self‑care
and disease management. However, the large amount of online information provided through
unknown or unreliable sources can challenge patients to trust and use this information. This study
was designed to examine the opinions of Iranian gastrointestinal patients about the quality of online
information used.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. Data
were gathered via a semi‑structured interview with 29 gastrointestinal patients, and data analysis
was performed by qualitative content analysis using open coding with MAXQDA 2018 software.
RESULTS: Based on the study, 22 codes were extracted in nine subcategories named as: “Emphasis
on the identity of providers,” “Nature of online information,” “Distrust on online information,” “Poor
quality of information,” “Giving misinformation,” “False impact,” “Improve communication,” “Positive
effect on the patient,” “Better Diagnosis.”
CONCLUSIONS: In the current situation, Iranian patients are not confident enough about the quality
of available online information. They believe that the use of current poor‑quality information has
negative consequences. However, they tend to use online patient education materials are produced in
Persian by reputable scientific authorities. Using online information can increase patients’ knowledge
and lead to better communication with medical staff and other similar patients. They can use this
information for self‑care with more confidence, and such an approach can also have significant
benefits for the national health system.
Keywords
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