Patient Health Information Search: An Exploratory Model of Web-Based Search Behavior

摘要

The Internet is drawing consumers in search of information about a broad range of topics. In order to understand how end users search for and benefit from Internet health information search, this paper presents a set of propositions and an explanatory model concerning Web-based patient health information search behavior. The analysis suggests that there is a link between an individual's health and his or her use of online health information, and also that the search intensity that individuals undertake results in an increased propensity to talk with health care providers about the information.