TY - JOUR
T1 - Empowered and knowledgeable health consumers
T2 - The impact of online support groups on the doctor-patient relationship
AU - Stewart Loane, Susan
AU - D'Alessandro, Steven
PY - 2014/8/1
Y1 - 2014/8/1
N2 - Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor-patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.
AB - Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor-patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.
KW - consumer behaviour
KW - consumer empowerment
KW - health
KW - online support group
KW - virtual community
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85027940957&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ausmj.2014.08.007
DO - 10.1016/j.ausmj.2014.08.007
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85027940957
VL - 22
SP - 238
EP - 245
JO - Australasian Marketing Journal
JF - Australasian Marketing Journal
SN - 1441-3582
IS - 3
ER -