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Health information-seeking behaviour (HISB), also known as health information seeking, health seeking behaviour or health information behaviour, refers to how people look for information about health and illness. [1] HISB is a key strategy for many people to understand their health problems and to cope with illness. [2]
In cases in which a physician has difficulty explaining complicated medical concepts to a patient, that patient may be inclined to seek information on the internet. [8] A consensus exists that patients should have shared decision making, meaning that patients should be able to make informed decisions about the direction of their medical treatment in collaboration with their physician. [9]
Information-seeking behavior is a more specific concept of information behavior. It specifically focuses on searching, finding, and retrieving information. Information-seeking behavior research can focus on improving information systems or, if it includes information need, can also focus on why the user behaves the way they do.
These are: Antecedents, information field, and information seeking actions. The antecedents are those factors that determine how an information consumer will receive the information. Those factors are: Demographics, personal experience, salience, and beliefs. These factors are fluid and can change during the health information seeking process.
In addition, many theories from other disciplines have been applied in investigating an aspect or whole process of information seeking behavior. [9] [10] A review of the literature on information seeking behavior shows that information seeking has generally been accepted as dynamic and non-linear (Foster, 2005; Kuhlthau 2006).
However, in online health communities, many individuals do not know each other personally, and also perceive their health information as a very personal and private subject. For people to receive the benefits discussed previously, they need to over come this barrier in online health networks and build a strong feeling of trust.
Primary care medical services are provided by physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or other health professionals who have first contact with a patient seeking medical treatment or care. [59] These occur in physician offices, clinics, nursing homes, schools, home visits, and other places close to patients. About 90% of medical ...
The majority of people in the United States use the internet as a source of health information. [48] The third most common activity for information seeking online is looking up health or medical information. [49] One 2013 study suggested that 22% of healthcare searches online direct users to Wikipedia. [50]