Poster 1032 IBD, I Barely Discern: A Comparative Analysis of Online Patient Education Resources Relating to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Author Insight from Rishabh Gulati, MD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
The Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” The Internet provides the freedom and anonymity to its users to research health topics without apprehension or constraint. This provides an opportunity for people to participate in a better-informed decision making process.
Having said that, studies done in other fields have already been published showing the readability of online, patient-centered information to be above the recommended level between 6th to 7th grade. Our study’s novelty lies in dissecting the information into subcategories and analyzing which aspect of information is most difficult to read so that special emphasis may be given to that aspect to people who source their information online.
What do patients need to know?
Patients need to be comfortable with the information that they read online. Peer-reviewed information from recognized professional bodies must be their primary source of information. Always discuss the information you peruse online from these sources with your doctor and engage in a shared and informed decision making process.
Author Contact Rishabh Gulati, MD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
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