What are the Implications of Excessive Internet Searches for Medical Information by Orthopaedic Patients?

CONCLUSIONS: Among orthopaedic patients who search the internet for medical information, a greater intolerance of uncertainty is associated with greater cyberchondria, which is associated with greater anxiety about health. Identifying patients with an intolerance of uncertainty and educating them about the negative role of compulsive searches for medical information may improve the success of orthopaedic treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons should also consider making referrals for cognitive behavioral therapy in these instances to increase the patient's tolerance of uncertainty, decrease internet searching habits, and reduce anxiety about health.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.
PMID: 31764332 [PubMed - in process]

Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research - November 27, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Blackburn J, Fischerauer SF, Talaei-Khoei M, Chen NC, Oh LS, Vranceanu AM Tags: Clin Orthop Relat Res Source Type: research