The Impact of Information Provided by Consumer Health Information Centers

ABSTRACT

Communicating medical information to patients is a major responsibility of physicians. Do consumer health information centers assist physicians in this critical task? This study examines the effect of consumer health information packets on patients' knowledge of their diagnosis or condition, comfort in making personal health decisions, and self-reported levels of anxiety. Study results were then compared to three prior investigations. The impact of the information packets on the relationship between physician and patient was also considered. A total of 105 patients receiving health information packets from a consumer health information center completed a follow-up questionnaire. Patients reported benefiting greatly from the information provided and felt it enhanced their relationship with their providers.

Key Words:

• Consumer health information
• questionnaires
• patient satisfaction
• patient-provider communication