WWW; the wild, wild web: internet usage in patients with urological cancer.

摘要

The Internet has an enormous number of health websites and is a tremendous resource for medical information. It can provide cost-effective and timely ways to deliver a complex mix of interesting and high-quality information and expertise to patients with cancer. Patients can independently search the Internet to learn about their illness and treatment options. There is reported evidence to suggest that there is a better outcome in patients who are well informed. Evidence exists to suggest that computer-generated information systems are better than written and verbal information . However, of concern is the quality of information that is available on the Internet Some Internet sites might contain erroneous information on cancer that can pose serious problems. There are also many good sites, which provide quality information on cancer for medical professionals, researchers and of course patients. Although the use of the Internet amongst the general urological population appears to be increasing , patientswith cancer tend to be older and might not have the facilities or the expertise to use the Internet. We assessed Internet usage and its benefits amongst our patients with urological cancer. We also assessed whether patients are advised by health professionals to visit any particular sites on the Internet