Internet-informed Patients Can Enjoy Greater Treatment Choice Without Spoiling the Relationship With Their Doctor
Access to health information on the Internet offers patients greater choice over treatment and autonomy in decision making. While doctors welcome empowered and better-informed patients, Internet-informed patients’ desire for greater choice and autonomy in health decision making may create friction between doctors and patients during consultations. Doctors are not always comfortable to accommodate patients’ choice due to uncertainty surrounding treatment options patients have found on the Internet.