On-Line Medical Information and Service Delivery: Implications for Health Education

Abstract

This article provides an overview of on-line medical information and service delivery. It outlines the immediate implications of these advances for health education professionals as well as projects some of their potentials and regulatory repercussions for the future. The article also analyzes the varieties of medical misinformation and rumor that are common on networks, and discusses attempts by health organizations to control them. Many individuals are using the Internet to become more autonomous in their health care activities, but are encountering various hazards. Health educators can be instrumental in empowering individuals to be critical and cautious yet effective in their use of medical applications on the Internet.