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ABSTRACT
Effective population-based and patient-centered public health care is highly dependent on timely and reliable health-related information. The continuous growth and availability of health-related information brought about by the emergence of a new digital communications environment offers a range of opportunities that facilitate access to useful health information for the public health sector–for providers as well as patients. Such advancements, however, can only be realized if public health professionals are knowledgeable about existing sources of online health information, have the ability to successfully judge the reliability of online health information, and are able to acquire the information in a timely and efficient manner. This research follows on the heels of a survey of public health professionals in New York State that concluded that limited access and knowledge negatively impacted utilization of interactive health communication technologies. In this study, a survey was administered to providers at a large county health department located in central Michigan. Results indicate that perceptions regarding the advantages of online health information still far outweigh actual utilization. Barriers to actual utilization include lack of easy access to computers with high-speed connections, trusted and timely online information, training and staff development issues, and organizational policies concerning computer access and usage.
